"We are pleased to know that a batch of these banknotes arrived on time, (and) I have no doubt that the culmination of this project might be the gateway to a range of cooperation opportunities between Peru and Indonesia," Figueroa noted in a statement received in Jakarta, Wednesday.
A concrete example of the sound bilateral relations is apparent from Indonesian state-owned enterprise, Perum Peruri, bagging the project to print Peruvian banknotes, he affirmed.
Perum Peruri has printed Peruvian banknotes, in denominations of 10, 20, and 50 soles, whose new designs were recently revealed to the public in the framework of commemorative events for the Bicentennial of the Independence of Peru, Figueroa remarked.
"Today, July 28, the Republic of Peru commemorates its 200th anniversary of independence. We observe it under challenging, unexpected, and unprecedented circumstances marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing concerns and threats thereof," Figueroa stated.
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He noted that the declaration of Peru’s independence in 1821 represents a milestone event in the history of the Americas. In fact, it contributed to the waning of the Spanish colonial power in South America -- whose main seat was located in Lima, the current capital of Peru, -- in a process that ended definitely in 1824 with the defeat of the remaining Spanish military forces in the Peruvian Andes.
"In this way, Peru and the other nascent Latin American republics assured their independence from the former Spanish empire. Now, 200 years later, we have the possibility to rethink, imagine, and honor our country at the same time. Beyond standing as a significant celebration, the Peruvian bicentennial should be understood as a space for dialogue and reflection in order to define our future," Figueroa emphasized.
He stated that Peru had been home to ancient civilizations. The most visible face of this heritage is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, a top landmark that is well-known to Indonesians and the entire world.
"Other important societies also emerged on our soil, such as Caral, the oldest urban center in the Americas that flourished around 5,000 years ago along the coast of central Peru. Last but not the least, I can mention the Nazca civilization, noted for its distinctive 1,500-year-old large geoglyphs, whose detailed designs are mainly visible from air," he affirmed.
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Peru is also famous for being a megadiverse country – a distinction it shares with Indonesia and a small number of countries around the world, according to Figueroa.
With regard to the bicentennial of the independence of Peru, Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati extended warm congratulations and best wishes for further prosperity of the Republic of Peru.
"On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Indonesia, I would like to extend our warmest felicitation and best wishes for further prosperity of the Republic of Peru and the well-being of its people," the minister stated.
The minister also commended the presidential election held successfully on June 6, 2021.
"We sincerely hope that the newly elected president would bring prosperity to people of the Republic of Peru," she remarked.
The minister highlighted the sound relations between Indonesia and Peru based on equality, mutual respect, and trust.
"I believe that under the new government, both countries could continuously work together to recover together in exploring areas of cooperation and intensifying our bilateral relations in the years to come," the minister affirmed.
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Reporter: Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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