MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Peru supplied aircrafts and personnel to Argentina in 1982

Argentina acknowledged the significant military support it received from Peru during the South Atlantic conflict in 1982.

The fact was mentioned in an official ceremony at the Argentine Defence Ministry in Buenos Aires following bilateral talks between Minister Jose Pampuro and Peruvian counterpart General Roberto Chiabra Leon to address pressing "security" matters in the region.

"Peru is a country we must support in difficult moments, the same way they did with us", said Minister Pampuro in direct reference to the Falklands armed conflict with the United Kingdom.

"They helped us when the Malvinas gest providing us with aircrafts and personnel, and we therefore have a historic acknowledgement towards Peru", highlighted Mr. Pampuro who then proceeded to bestow on General Chiabra Leon the Great Cross of Liberator General Jose de San Martin.

Peruvian Defence minister visited Buenos Aires to propose Argentine leadership in regional security affairs and intensify bilateral military cooperation.

"The security challenge is a problem which entails all countries in the region", said General Chiabra Leon adding that "Peru has proposed Argentina lead the region in achieving security goals with joint strategy and policies, where security threats are not exclusive to one country".

"Narco-terrorism as we define it in Peru is extensive to all our countries, some directly, some indirectly, as is the arms traffic, money laundering and corruption".

If South American countries agree on common objectives, "greater security can be achieved by integrating defense and security plans", emphasized the Peruvian minister.

Mr Pampuro praised the longstanding bilateral friendship and said that Argentina and Peru have been developing for some time joint defense activities including the exchange of visiting officers and lecturers.