LIMA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Peru celebrated on Saturday the incorporation of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore as associated countries of the Pacific Alliance.
Peru's foreign minister, Ricardo Luna, told news network RPP that negotiations would soon begin to allow these countries to join as associated members of the commercial mechanisms of the Alliance, made up of Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru.
"The main step is that we have established the conditions for high-quality agreements with countries outside the region, countries which are more developed," expressed the foreign minister, stating that talks would begin in Lima on Sept. 5 and 6.
Luna highlighted that the Pacific Alliance now has over 50 countries as observers, which have manifested their wish to join the regional integration process.
He concluded that the inclusion of countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore marks a new step as they have achieved high levels of economic and social development.
