Retired Ambassador Carlos Pareja Ríos was sworn in as Peru’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, April 23. He assumes the leadership of Torre Tagle following the resignation of Hugo de Zela.
Political Crisis and the F-16 Dispute
The appointment comes in the wake of a political crisis triggered by President José María Balcázar’s failed attempt to halt the purchase of F-16 Block 70 combat aircraft. This disagreement led to the resignations of both Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela and Defense Minister Carlos Díaz Dañino.
Despite the president’s initial position, it was revealed that Peru had finalized the purchase of 12 F-16 aircraft, involving an initial payment of US$ 462 million.
A Career in Diplomacy
Carlos Pareja Ríos returns to the foreign policy stage as a career diplomat with extensive international experience. He served as Peru’s ambassador to the United States from 2016 to 2019 and previously worked as a political counselor in the U.S. Between 1984 and 1990.
His diplomatic trajectory likewise includes ambassadorships in Spain, Switzerland, and Chile. While in Santiago, he served during the maritime controversy between Peru and Chile, which was eventually resolved in 2014 by the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Pareja Ríos served as the director of Protocol for the foreign ministry, where he led the organization of international summits, including meetings for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Just one day before his appointment, Pareja Ríos described the Balcázar government as “precarious” and characterized the president’s policies as “equivocal.” He warned that the U.S. State Department could potentially review its relationship with Peru if the F-16 acquisition was not completed.
Pareja Ríos has indicated that the new foreign minister needs specific experience in handling relations with the United States, noting that negotiations under President Donald Trump are more complicated than with previous administrations. He suggested that immediate priorities could include consulting with U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro or traveling to Washington for extended talks.
Analysts suggest that this appointment may help “calm the waters” in Congress, where signatures were being collected for a motion of censure against President Balcázar. With only three months remaining in the current government, Pareja’s role may be focused on maintaining order and managing relations with the U.S. And China until the change of administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the previous Foreign Minister resign?
Hugo de Zela resigned due to discrepancies with President José María Balcázar over the decision to stop the purchase of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets.
What is Carlos Pareja Ríos’ experience with the United States?
He served as Peru’s ambassador to the United States from 2016 to 2019 and was a political counselor in the U.S. From 1984 to 1990.
What was the financial detail of the F-16 purchase mentioned?
Peru closed the purchase of 12 F-16 aircraft with an initial disbursement of US$ 462 million.
Do you believe a career diplomat can stabilize international relations in the final months of a precarious government?
