The Republic of Peru and the State of Israel. Analysis of the bilateral relationship

Abstract

Israel declared its independence in 1948, only three years after World War II and the Holocaust. Peru sent its first representative to Tel Aviv in 1957; since then, the parties have maintained diplomatic relations marked by cooperation in fields such as agriculture. In recent years, Latin American countries have taken steps to deepen their partnership with Israel. At the same time, Peru’s foreign policy seeks to diversify relations globally, including the Middle East. Therefore, it is relevant for Lima to assess whether it can build on its historical ties with the Jewish state by strengthening its relations. Through documentary analysis, this article seeks to explain the relevance of Israel for Peru, as well as the Peruvian-Israeli bilateral relationship. Thus, it is shown that the foundation of the Peruvian-Israeli partnership is the political relationship, which begins with Lima’s support for the establishment of a state for the Jewish people in their ancestral land. As a result, Peru has obtained specific benefits from its good relationship with Israel, such as Israel’s support for Peru’s eventual accession to the OECD. In terms of trade, Israel is a relevant partner for Peru in the Middle East. In terms of technical cooperation, Israel has historically been Peru’s largest cooperating partner in the region.