Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant visited Peru, Venezuela and Colombia in his first visit to the Andean region since taking office in June.  

During his visit to Peru Chris Bryant met the Peruvian Foreign Minister Garcia Belaunde. They discussed a wide range of issues including the strong bilateral relationship between the UK and Peru, the upcoming summit on climate change in Copenhagen, the negotiations for a trade agreement between the European Union and Peru, regional relations and other issues of mutual interest.

Later in the visit discussions focused on climate change issues and the Peruvian expectations for the crucial summit in Copenhagen in December and how the UK and Peru can work together to ensure a strong outcome.

These discussions were attended by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nestor Popolizio, high ranking officers of the ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Economy and Finance, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Supervisory body for Forestry Resources and Peruvian negotiators who will be present at the Copenhagen summit.

View pictures of Chris Bryant's visit to Peru

In Colombia the Minister heared first-hand about the work Britain does on the ground to help Colombian law enforcement tackle the trade in drugs.  He also sought an update on progress in bringing to justice those responsible for human rights abuses as a consequence of  the country's long running insurgency.
 
In Venezuela, the Minister met senior government ministers for discussions on a range of subjects, including the prospects for a return to democracy in Honduras.
 
Speaking about the purpose of the visit, Chris Bryant said:
 
"Drugs kill youngsters in my constituency in the Rhondda; and the drugs trade in Latin America corrupts the political system, undermines human rights, funds criminality and fosters terrifying levels of violence. 

The UK, working cooperatively with governments in the Andean region, continues to make a significant impact on the trans-Atlantic trade in illegal drugs - drugs that have the worst effect in the UK on the poorest and most vulnerable communities.  

We need to have firm assurances that those who commit human rights abuses in these countries will be brought to justice, regardless of who they work for.  Brits travelling to the region need to know that drugs laws here are as strict, and taken as seriously, as at home; and that prison conditions can be tough. 

We'll pay close attention to your welfare in jail, and put your in touch with a lawyer, but my stern warning is that we won't get you off your sentence, nor should we.
 
On climate change, in the run-up to Copenhagen, countries in a region which is neither the richest nor the poorest are in a good position to talk to both developing and industrialised countries. 

Both sets of countries need to make their contribution, and come together to take serious action to curb emissions."

Notes for Editors

UK in Peru British Embassy

UK in Venezuela British Embassy

UK in Colombia British Embassy

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