Kast leaves this Monday to Peru to attend the ascension to power of Keiko Fujimori

President José Antonio Kast departed Chile on Monday evening for Peru, marking his fourth international trip since assuming office earlier this year. His destination is Lima, where he will attend the inauguration of Keiko Fujimori, who has emerged as one of his key regional allies. Fujimori, daughter of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, won last month’s presidential election and will succeed José María Balcázar, who took office just months ago following the removal of former president José Jeri. The new leader faces the challenge of stabilizing a country that has endured years of political turmoil. Her campaign focused heavily on security issues, aligning her with Kast, whom she views as a potential ally in addressing these concerns. Keiko Fujimori was present during Kast's assumption of power on March 11, when the transition ended the administration of former president Gabriel Boric. Other notable figures are expected to attend the ceremony in Peru, including former Chilean president Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, known for maintaining positive relations with Lima and the Fujimori family. Additionally, Santiago mayor Mario Desbordes, who has had previous political exchanges with Fujimori, will be in attendance. The official transfer of power ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the National Congress. At 1:00 PM, there will be a luncheon for heads of state at the Government Palace. Later that day, at 6:00 PM, a formal welcome ceremony will take place for foreign leaders at the newly elected president. According to government officials, Kast plans to hold several bilateral meetings during his visit. This trip marks Peru as the fifth country Kast will visit since taking office on March 11, 2026. His first international journey was to Argentina, where he met with President Javier Milei. However, this trip was overshadowed by a failed attempt to arrest former leftist activist Galvarino Apablaza. In early May, Kast traveled to Costa Rica to witness the swearing-in of President Laura Fernández, a right-wing leader succeeding Rodrigo Chaves. In late June, he embarked on another tour that included visits to Paraguay and Uruguay. In Asuncion, he attended a new Mercosur summit and led a state-level meeting, while in Montevideo, he met with Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi to reaffirm the historical ties between Chile and Uruguay. Following his visit to Peru, Kast will prepare for a trip to Colombia, where he will participate in another change of power ceremony. This event will conclude the left-leaning administration of Gustavo Petro and usher in the right-wing leadership of Abelardo de la Espriella.