Baroness Chapman’s visit drives an exciting chapter in UK–Peru Cooperation
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-20)

Press release covering the official visit of Baroness Jenny Chapman, UK Minister of State for Latin America and the Caribbean, and International Development, to Peru.

- UK Minister for Latin America, Baroness Jenny Chapman, visited Peru to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reaffirm the UK’s long-term commitment to the country.
- With the Foreign Minister, the Minister agreed a Joint Declaration on Security, reinforcing collaboration against Transnational Serious and Organised Crime including drug trafficking, illicit economies, and environmental crimes
- The Minister also attended the signing of new education agreement to drive English language teaching, teacher training, and academic opportunities for Peruvian students, supported by the British Council.
Lima, August 20, 2025 – In a wide-ranging visit to Peru, Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington, UK Minister of State for Latin America and the Caribbean, and International Development, drove collaboration on Security, Growth, and Climate – deepening the UK’s strategic partnership.

With the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Ambassador Elmer Schialer, the Minister agreed a Joint Declaration on Security, a milestone in joint efforts to fight Transnational Serious and Organised Crime, drug trafficking, illicit economies and environmental crimes.

The Minister also delivered a donation of equipment (scanners, drones, and vehicles) on behalf of UK’s Home Office International Operation to the Peruvian Police, to enhance their operational and intelligence capabilities. At a ceremony with the Viceminister of the Interior, Maxfredid Pérez, Minister Chapman reaffirmed the UK’s long-term commitment to collaborate on counternarcotics, tackling organised crime and preventing cocaine reaching UK streets. That followed a visit to the Port of Callao where the Minister spoke with representatives from the Anti-Drug Directorate of the Police (DIRANDRO) and the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) to hear first-hand about the shared challenges and vital importance of this joint work.

Baroness Chapman’s visit also strengthened a trading relationship worth over £1bn, highlighting the growing potential of the CPTPP and the Andean Free Trade Agreement. In a series of meetings with the Peruvian Prime Minister, and Ministers of Transport and Finance she discussed mutual growth, and the benefits of the Double Taxation Agreement that the UK and Peru hope to ratify this year. The Minister underscored the importance of this for driving two-way investment, the UK’s position as the largest investor in Peru, and the desire to further that in the key sectors of mining and renewable energy through InPeru’s mission to the UK in September. They also explored strategic collaboration in infrastructure projects on health, education, rail and irrigation, building on the delivery of £7bn+ in key projects by UK companies over the last 6 years, and wider collaboration to improve the infrastructure ecosystem.

With the President, Dina Boluarte and the Minister for Education, Morgan Quero, Minister Chapman participated in the inauguration of the IE 2028 Peruano Británico – part of the Bicentennial Schools Government-to-Government Programme. This is the 35th school completed under this framework, which reflects the UK’s focus on delivering infrastructure in record time and to highest standards, but also adding wider value to support the country’s economic and social development.

UK Minister for Latin America, Baroness Chapman, said:

It’s been an inspiring and productive visit to Peru – and the 200-year strong UK-Peru partnership has never been stronger.

The security and education partnerships we have committed to this week will help to build inclusive, secure, and prosperous futures for both of our nations - underpinning a trade relationship worth well over £1bn, as I discussed with counterparts and industry partners.

The work we are doing here will help create jobs, opportunities and stability for the people of Peru and the UK, and I look forward to continuing our strategic collaboration.

During the visit Baroness Chapman also participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to advance cooperation to strengthen the Peruvian education system. The agreement, which will be supported by the British Council, will drive English language teaching, professional development for teachers and school leaders, internationalization of higher education, and expand academic opportunities for Peruvian students in the United Kingdom.

Finally, the Minister met the Minister for Environment, Juan Carlos Castro Vargas to drive collaboration ahead of COP30 – including the signature of the new Joint Declaration of Intent – as Peru pushes an ambitious update of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).