Trump to name Peru a major non-NATO ally amid anti-drug push

US President Donald Trump intends to designate Peru as a major non-NATO ally, another sign of his outreach to Latin American partners as the administration escalates its campaign against Venezuela and alleged narco-terrorists.

The White House on Thursday sent a presidential message to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations of his intent to make the designation, following standard protocol for such a move. Trump said Peru and the US have “shared security priorities, including regional stability, counternarcotics, and economic ties,” in the message to lawmakers. 

Trump has been looking to rally more governments in Latin America to back his drug-fighting agenda. In Peru, the status offers to boost a new leader who has pledged to be tough on crime. 

President José Jerí, Peru’s eighth head of state in a decade, was inaugurated in October following the impeachment of his predecessor. His interim term runs out in July and Peruvians will hold general elections in April. 

“I understand this is a novel strategy from the American government,” Peruvian Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez told reporters on Friday. “What we hope is to take advantage for the benefit of our societies.” 

Peru’s foreign minister recently visited Washington and met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two spoke about critical minerals and efforts to fight transnational criminal organisations. 

Trump has launched attacks on alleged drug-trafficking boats in waters around Venezuela and threatened land strikes on that country, vowing to target a regime he says is allowing illegal narcotics to flow into the United States. Peru, along with Colombia and Bolivia, is a top producer of the crop that is used to make cocaine. 

The designation for Peru follows Trump affording the same status to Saudi Arabia during a recent visit from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Peru and Saudi Arabia are joining a roster of 19 other countries with the status, which beyond its symbolic significance affords military and economic privileges, including eligibility to bid on US government contracts to repair defence equipment. 

In Latin America, Peru would join Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil as countries with the designation.