Overview
- Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela confirmed Washington has notified the U.S. Congress, triggering the 30‑day period before a potential designation decision.
- Major Non‑NATO Ally status would grant preferential access to U.S. equipment, training, joint research, technology transfers and possible foreign military financing.
- The proposed status is a bilateral designation that does not make Peru a NATO member or create collective‑defense obligations.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans an official visit to Lima between February and March 2026 after accepting an invitation during a Dec. 5 meeting.
- Analysts tie U.S. interest to Peru’s Pacific ports and major copper output, while domestic commentary raises sovereignty and regional‑politics concerns.