Hanane Djoua
Doha
As Peru commemorates its Independence Day on July 28, Ambassador HE José Benzaquen reflects on this momentous occasion, underscoring its profound significance both personally and nationally.
"Independence Day is a chance to celebrate our nation’s rich heritage and share it with the world,” says Benzaquen.
"Representing Peru on this day is both an honour and a privilege, providing a unique opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Peru and Qatar,” he adds.
As Peru and Qatar continue to build on their shared aspirations, the ambassador says, their partnership promises a future of mutual prosperity and strengthened ties.
For the ambassador, Independence Day transcends its role as a national holiday, becoming a deeply personal time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and to renew the commitment to building a better future for all Peruvians.
The ambassador describes the atmosphere in Peru on Independence Day as "electric, a vibrant tapestry of cultural displays, from diverse music and colorful textiles to ancient traditions passed down through generations”.
The country’s breathtaking natural beauty — from the majestic peaks of the Andes to the lush rainforests of the Amazon and the sandy coastline — serves as a picturesque backdrop to the celebrations. Iconic landmarks such as Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stand as testaments to Peru’s rich history and architectural prowess.
Traditional music fills the air, with everything from folk songs to the national anthem resonating across the country. Parades, a staple of the celebrations, see people marching, dancing, and playing instruments, culminating in a spectacular display of fireworks as night falls. The raising of the national flag, a simple yet powerful act, holds special significance for Ambassador Benzaquen.
"Witnessing the flag ascend, accompanied by solemn music and the pride in everyone’s eyes, is a moving reminder of Peru’s hard-fought freedom. It’s a moment that unites the entire nation,” he notes.
Ambassador Benzaquen emphasizes the importance of tailoring explanations of Independence Day’s significance to different audiences. For young Peruvians, connecting the celebration to their national identity through stories of heroes and interactive activities is essential. For those outside Peru, starting with the global concept of independence and highlighting Peru’s unique fight for freedom can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation.
Reflecting on his tenure, the ambassador recalls a particularly special moment shared with the Peruvian community in Qatar: the playoff match on June 13th, 2022, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Over 11,000 Peruvians attended, displaying their passion and unity with chants, dancing, and vibrant support for their national team. The event showcased the solidarity of the Qatari people and provided an opportunity for Peruvians to experience Qatar’s culture and traditions.
This year, Benzaquen notes that the Peruvian embassy in Doha will host a Peruvian Independence Day reception, featuring traditional food and music, aimed at fostering connections and showcasing Peruvian culture. The event will bring together the Peruvian community, the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and cultural figures, potentially leading to reciprocal celebrations in Qatar for their National Day.
Ambassador Benzaquen highlights that Peru and Qatar have enjoyed friendly relations since 1989, with both countries aspiring to solidify economic growth and address social inequalities. Their bilateral relationship is grounded in shared principles such as the promotion of peace, security, cooperation, and development in international relations. Key priorities include fostering inclusive development and addressing social inequalities.
Looking ahead, Benzaquen expresses optimism about the future of Peru-Qatar relations. Economic ties are expected to deepen, focusing on youth and sports development, investment protection, agri-food and food security cooperation, and cultural exchange programs. High-level visits and collaboration in global affairs will further solidify this blossoming partnership. Several economic sectors stand out as attractive for Qatari investment in Peru, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and tourism.
Ambassador Benzaquen points out that Qatar’s experience in developing large-scale projects presents opportunities for investment in Peru’s infrastructure and communication systems. Additionally, Qatar’s expertise in natural gas could be leveraged in Peru’s renewable energy sector.
Ambassador Benzaquen also mentions the recent signing of the air services agreement between the Civil Aviation Authority of Qatar and Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications as a testament to the growing cooperation between the two nations.
This agreement not only strengthens aero-commercial relations but also enhances overall cooperation, setting the stage for robust future collaboration.
As Peru and Qatar continue to build on their shared aspirations, their partnership promises a future of mutual prosperity and strengthened ties.