LIMA — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Peru on September 10 for talks with President Keiko Fujimori as Washington seeks to strengthen political and security cooperation with the South American country.

Rubio’s visit is the final stop of his three-country South American tour, following visits to Colombia and Ecuador. His discussions in Lima are expected to focus on bilateral relations, organised crime and regional strategic issues.

The visit comes as Peru marks 200 years of diplomatic relations with the United States, giving the talks additional significance for both governments. Rubio is scheduled to meet Peru’s Foreign Minister Carlos Espá before his meeting with Fujimori.

A major issue surrounding the visit is Peru’s participation in the Americas Shield, a U.S.-backed initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation against organised crime. Fujimori’s government has shown interest in closer coordination with Washington on security matters.

The talks also come amid growing competition between the United States and China for influence in Latin America. Peru has important economic and strategic links with China, making its foreign-policy direction increasingly significant for both Washington and Beijing.

Rubio’s meetings are expected to explore ways to deepen cooperation on combating drug trafficking, organised crime and other security challenges. The United States has increasingly placed regional security at the centre of its engagement with governments across Latin America.

For Peru, closer cooperation with Washington could provide additional support in tackling organised criminal networks while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with the United States.

The visit also gives the Fujimori administration an opportunity to demonstrate its foreign-policy priorities shortly after taking office. Lima’s positioning between major global powers could become increasingly important as competition over trade, investment and strategic influence intensifies.

Rubio’s arrival therefore represents more than a routine diplomatic visit. It reflects Washington’s broader effort to build stronger partnerships in Latin America while Peru weighs its relationships with both the United States and China.