The Peruvian Embassy in Singapore hosted a vibrant reception to commemorate Peru’s independence and 45 years of Peru-Singapore diplomatic relations.

Singapore, 23 July 2025 – The Embassy of the Republic of Peru in Singapore held a reception at the Royal Pavilion to mark the 204th anniversary of Peru’s Declaration of Independence. The event also commemorated the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Peru and Singapore.

The evening was hosted by His Excellency Francisco Tenya Hasegawa, Ambassador of Peru to Singapore, with Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Desmond Tan, as the guest of honour. Attendees included members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, and friends of Peru.

The programme featured a ceremonial wine toast, the singing of the national anthem, traditional Peruvian dance performances, an exhibition of Peruvian art, and a showcase of Peruvian cuisine. Guests were also treated to a cultural immersion reflecting Peru’s rich heritage and growing bilateral relationship with Singapore.

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the winners of the NETS FlashPay Card Design Competition 2025, held in conjunction with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The competition, organised by the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Council in partnership with the Peruvian Embassy, invited students from design schools across Singapore to submit entries. First prize was awarded to Siti Nur’Ramizah Binte Mohd Yusri.

In his speech, Ambassador Tenya reflected on the historic and strategic significance of Peru’s presence in Asia, highlighting Peru’s consistent foreign policy goals, including its aspirations and active role in APEC. He pointed to key milestones such as Peru’s ratification of the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and a recent landmark carbon credit cooperation agreement with Singapore — the first of its kind signed by a Latin American nation.

“Peru and Singapore have taken concrete steps to strengthen bilateral ties,” said Ambassador Tenya. “Last year, we welcomed Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to Peru, the first official visit of a Singaporean Prime Minister to Latin America. Our collaboration in trade, port logistics, food innovation, and climate sustainability continues to grow stronger.”

Mr Desmond Tan, in his remarks, underscored the close and evolving relationship between the two countries. “Peru is Singapore’s 9th largest trading partner in Latin America, and our shared commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development continues to guide our cooperation,” he noted. He also expressed Singapore’s anticipation of an upcoming visit by the Peruvian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Singapore.

Cultural diplomacy remains a pillar of bilateral ties, with growing interest among citizens in both nations in discovering each other’s cultures and histories. Singapore-based Peruvian coffee brands and agricultural exports, such as blueberries, have become increasingly visible in local markets.

The evening concluded with photo opportunities and an appreciation of the Peruvian gastronomic experience, further reinforcing the warm and multifaceted relationship between Peru and Singapore.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters