Cumanana
E - Newsletter of Peruvian Culture for Africa
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Article 1:
Towards greater Peruvian presence in Africa: the
key role of Kenya
César Max Larraín Tafur
Peru and Kenya established diplomatic relations on February 25, 1976, thanks to the initiative of the Peruvian government. This move was in line with Peru's foreign policy of expanding its diplomatic presence in Africa, supporting principles such as self-determination of peoples, anti-colonialism, and solidarity among Third World countries.
Aligned with the foreign policy of the 1970s, Peru opened an Embassy in Nairobi on October 30, 1987, following the establishment of its diplomatic mission in Zimbabwe. The choice of Nairobi as the Embassy's location was influenced by its geostrategic position in Africa and on the shores of the Indian Ocean, as well as its role as a listening post and diplomatic center in Sub-Saharan Africa, as described by Jesús Fortunato Isasi Cayo, the first Ambassador to Nairobi.
However, the Mission was closed in 1990 due to budgetary measures. Between 1990 and 2023, bilateral relations were maintained through the permanent representations of both countries at the United Nations and, to a lesser extent, through occasional exchanges facilitated by the Embassy of Peru in Brasilia and the Embassy of Kenya in that city.
Currently, we are witnessing a new and positive phase in the Peruvian-Kenyan relationship, distinct from the initial economic and political engagements. Historically, Kenya's foreign policy assigned low priority to Latin America, evidenced by the absence of reciprocal presence from seven resident embassies of Latin American countries in Nairobi by 1988: Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Organization of American States (OAS) and its leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti.
On the other hand, Peru has been implementing a new strategy concerning the African continent, where Kenya plays a pivotal role. With the recent reopening of the Peruvian Embassy in Nairobi in 2023, Peru has configured a geostrategic triangle in Sub-Saharan Africa, complemented by embassies in South Africa in the southern axis and Ghana in the western axis.
On February 25, 1976, Peru and Kenya established diplomatic relations
Through these diplomatic missions, Peru aims to expand its presence by establishing new engagements across the African continent. In the case of Nairobi, the Peruvian Embassy is expected to foster future engagements with neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and
The importance of Kenya to Peruvian foreign policy can be understood through three main aspects: Nairobi's political and economic relevance in East Africa, Kenya's global leadership in multilateral issues, and the positive expectations for future Peruvian-Kenyan cooperation.
Firstly, Kenya holds political and economic leadership in the Sub-Saharan region, particularly in East Africa, with one of the fastest-growing economies globally. Its coastal cities, like Mombasa, position Kenya as a key commercial and logistical hub in East Africa.
Therefore, the country's strategic relevance lies in its great potential to become a platform for introducing Peruvian exports to the eastern sub-Saharan region. At the regional level, Kenya is the gateway to two Regional Economic Communities (RECs): the East African Community (EAC) and its 135 million inhabitants and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) with more than 450 Tanzania.
million people.
Secondly, Nairobi has consolidated itself as a diplomatic center in Africa and Kenya as a pivot in environmental matters, peacekeeping, and economic integration. Nairobi hosts United Nations bodies such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), and UN-Habitat, institutions crucial to
Peru's foreign policy objectives.
Thirdly, potential areas of cooperation between Peru and Kenya include multilingualism, multi-ethnicity, cultural diversity, colonial heritage, and large young populations. Technical cooperation under the South-South framework in areas such as food security and nutrition, exemplified by programs like Wiñay Haku of interest to Kenyan authorities, as well as in alternative development and coffee cultivation expansion, given both countries' leadership roles in the
International Coffee Organization (ICO).
In conclusion, Peru's projection towards Africa aims to increase its participation in the regional framework of the African Union (AU) and its eight Economic Communities (ECs). Kenya's political and economic leadership, along with its strategic relevance in Sub-Saharan and East Africa, will contribute to political, economic, and cultural engagement between Peru and the African continent. The reopening of the Peruvian Embassy in Nairobi marks the first step towards developing and strengthening a comprehensive bilateral agenda focusing on common interests, particularly in South-South and triangular cooperation schemes, as well as through regular working meetings and high-level visits.
" with Supreme Resolution 123-2023 RE, the peruvian Embassy in Kenya was reopened in september 2023"
Article 2:
Peru appoints new ambassador to the Republic of Kenya after 37 years*
In an effort to enhance relations with East African countries, Peru reopened its Embassy in Kenya on September 7, 2023. This year, after 37 years, our country accredited an ambassador to the African nation.
Ambassador Romy Tincopa presented her credentials on June 12 to President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, accrediting her as Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Peru. The ceremony took place at the State House in Nairobi.
During the protocol ceremony, Ambassador Tincopa conveyed greetings from the President of the Republic, Dina Boluarte. She noted that the 48 years of diplomatic relations between Peru and Kenya reflect shared values of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
The head of the Peruvian diplomatic mission in the country emphasized her commitment to strengthening friendship ties in all possible areas, such as trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others.
Furthermore, she reaffirmed Peru's commitment to enhancing multilateral cooperation in international forums such as the United Nations and the African Union, to address global challenges including climate change, plastic pollution, poverty, food security, gender equality, peace, and security.
In this regard, she appreciated the Kenyan government's decision to lead a Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
On his part, the President of the Republic of Kenya wished Ambassador Tincopa success in her mission and highlighted his government's commitment to identifying concrete cooperation opportunities between the two nations.
* Information Note No. 734-24 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, published on June 12, 2024, available at https://www.gob.pe/institucion/rree/noticias/970773-el-peru-acredita-una-nueva-embajadora-en-la-republica-de-kenia-luego-de-37-anos
Ambassador Romy Tincopa Grados attends the ceremony of presentation of credentials to the President of Kenya.
Ambassador Romy Tincopa Grados with the President of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto
RECIPE: Chinchiví
"Chinchiví is prepared from cane sugar aguardiente left to rest after adding flavorings such as ginger syrup, elderberry fruits, cinnamon, and nutmeg. According to Carmen Rosa Huapaya Solano, Chinchiví began to be consumed after the liberation and abolition of slavery. It is a drink that was prepared every weekend once the slaves were freed and consumed at their gatherings to alleviate the fatigue caused by a hard week's work; they used sugarcane, which has a degree of alcohol, to prepare Chinchiví and then diluted its flavor with cinnamon and cloves. Initially, it was prepared simply, without using elaborate ingredients. Over the years, it has been improved with additional ingredients. Subsequently, a song was composed in honor of Chinchiví."
Ingredients
Cane sugar aguardiente
Ginger
Elderberry fruits
* Taken from https://programaacua.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Libro-Fogon-Afroperuano.pdf
Cinnamon Nutmeg
Clove
