For several decades, the governments of Peru and Colombia have been working to strengthen relations of peace, friendship, and cooperation, especially in their shared Amazonian border region, where efforts focus on the protection and welfare of the population. This is why the questioning of border agreements by a Colombian diplomat during a security technical meeting in Leticia (Colombia) is concerning, especially as it occurred in front of Peruvian authorities from Santa Rosa Island.
Such imprudence could undermine all the progress made between the two nations and create uncertainty in a continent where countries strive to reduce conflict and increase collaboration. In the realm of defense, for instance, the Armed Forces of Lima and Bogotá have advanced through the exchange of professional experiences, courses, internships, working groups, and other binational activities.
A notable example is the agreement between the Center for Strategic Studies of the Peruvian Army (CEEEP) and the Nueva Granada Military University of Colombia, aimed at exchanging academic information, collaborating on joint research projects and publications, and participating in activities to enhance mutual understanding.
Significant progress has been made in joint efforts against common threats such as illicit drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking, illegal logging and mining, and river pollution.
In the fight against drug trafficking and transnational crimes, the Colombian Air Force (FAC) and the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) have conducted the International Air Interdiction Exercise “Per-Col” since 2004.
Participating units include the Air Operations Command (COA) and the Amazon Air Group of the FAC in Leticia; and the Air Wing No. 5 and the Air Group No. 42 of the FAP in Iquitos, who plan, execute, and evaluate various missions to combat criminal activities in transnational airspace, aiming to strengthen interoperability.
Another international exercise with a similar goal is the “Bra-Col-Per,” which also involves Brazil and has been in place for 50 years. It is designed to maintain an appropriate level of operational readiness, increase confidence measures, and improve procedures among participating Navies for the benefit of the Amazon region.
These significant efforts have resulted in important and successful operations to dismantle criminal gangs and capture individuals who, in fleeing, attempted to cross the border to evade authorities.
Today, escaping from one country to the other is nearly impossible due to various coordination mechanisms that allow for better control over the Putumayo area, where there is a risk from FARC remnants engaged in illicit activities. Hence, it is crucial not to jeopardize the long-standing, fruitful relations between Peru and Colombia, which serve as a hemispheric example in the field of defense.
Politicians must recognize that questioning the territorial sovereignty of either country is an irresponsible act that jeopardizes the continuity and progress of cooperation between these nations. It also benefits those who seek to destroy joint efforts toward peace, well-being, and security in this part of the world.
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