Major General Barry R. Cornish, commander of U.S. Air Forces Southern/12th Air Force (AFSOUTH), the air component of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), met virtually with General Rodolfo Pereyra Cúneo, Peruvian Air Force (FAP, in Spanish) commander, on February 16. During the meeting, they discussed the Peruvian commander’s goals, SOUTHCOM’s strategic goals, AFSOUTH’s goals, the State Partnership Program with West Virginia, and future security cooperation events between both air forces.
The main topics were the impacts of COVID-19 in Peru and the FAP, as well as future commitments: virtual meetings, subject matter expert exchanges, training exercises, and the visit of the Peruvian air attaché to the United States.
Meetings between leaders are key to keep strengthening the partnership between the United States and Peru, so as to advance their mutual interests, not only in air, space, and cyberspace, but as friends and neighbors that are joined by shared values, geography, history, and a shared interest in a common future. Modest investments in the hemisphere, in terms of presence, associations, and professionalism, bring significant results. Key leader meetings, exercises, training, education, and security cooperation all contribute to building relationships and trust.
AFSOUTH seeks to learn about Peru’s unique advantages and adapt programs, security cooperation, training, exercises, and contacts to continue being partners of choice.