Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (R) pose for a group photo with Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2nd L) and his wife in Beijing, Sept. 13, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua/Pang Xinglei]

Ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Peru, the country's President is suggesting the two countries are ushering in a new era of historical cooperation.

Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski took office back in July. Soon after he became President-elect, he was asked what country he would choose for his first foreign visit. Without hesitation, Kuczynski answered "China."

"China is the most important country in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the biggest market for Peru's exports. It has become the engine for world economic growth. Of course, that's why I have chosen China as my first stop as president," said Kuczynski.

Kuczynski made his trip to China in September, meeting with Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese leaders, with trade at the top of the agenda.

Peru is one of the major destinations for China's investment in mineral and petroleum resources.The two countries upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013. China is now Peru's largest trading partner, export market and source of imports. Currently, the two countries are expanding cooperation in areas that include resources, electricity, transportation, manufacturing and tourism.

"We want to open up new markets, especially in agriculture in China. We are also interested in scientific and technological development, and we hope China will provide scholarship programs, notably in engineering and science. In addition, cultural exchanges and cooperation in archaeology and climate change also mean a lot to us," said Kuczynski.

Peru is home to the largest number of overseas Chinese in Latin America. Chinese immigrants, many of them from fishing villages in Guangdong, began migrating to Peru in the mid-19th century. Today, Peruvians of Chinese heritage are common-place and have a large and growing influence in local communities. When it comes to modern diplomatic connections, China and Peru established official ties 45 years ago. Since then, Kuczynski says the relationship between the two countries has remained stable.

"I think the meeting with President Xi for the second time is quite critical, in particular when the international economic architecture has changed and is brimming with uncertainties. Apparently, that will be a topic high on the agenda of the APEC meeting," said the Peruvian president.

During his time in Peru, Xi Jinping is due to attend an informal APEC leaders meeting in the capital, Lima.