Remarks with Peruvian Prime Minister Beatriz Merino After Their Meeting

SECRETARY POWELL: I will make a brief statement, I don't really have time for questions, but it was a great pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister and we are very pleased to receive her, especially on 9/11. It was two years ago that I was in her country, in the capital, when I got the word of the terrible tragedy that had befallen us here back home. We had a chance to reflect on that moment, and reflect on what has happened over the last two years. We had a chance also to talk about our very strong bilateral relationship, and how we are committed to doing everything we can to support her, President Toledo and the Peruvian Government, to express our thanks for the support that they have provided to us.

PRIME MINISTER MERINO: We're very grateful to Secretary Powell for dedicating his time on such a special occasion. As he very well said, he was in our country two years ago when this tragedy occurred. And we are all, obviously, expressing our solidarity to the country and to Secretary Powell for what happened two years ago.

We have talked very extensively of our bilateral agenda, and I will hope that we can see with optimism and with great faith in our democracy, as well as in economic growth, private sector investment, and particularly on the bilateral trade agreement in which our country is so interested. So, as we move ahead in our agenda, I have been very grateful to Secretary Powell and his staff to have been able to work with us today.

Thank you, sir.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you.