Peruvian Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) said Thursday that Peru and China have reaffirmed their political will to continue negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Mercedes Araoz made the remarks after the 4th Round of FTA Negotiations between the two countries concluded in Lima on Thursday.

"The dialogue must not stop, we have had work meetings at negotiators level, the vice minister (of Exterior Trade, Eduardo Ferreyros) and myself have talked with the chief negotiator of China and we have agreed that there is all the political will to find a solution," Araoz said.

"We want the agreement to be something viable for both countries, to seek mutual benefit, not to affect our interests," Araoz added.

Araoz said the Peruvian negotiation team, formed by members of Mincetur, is also discussing with the Peruvian private sector to take their position into account to ensure a proper negotiation.

Peru and China aim to sign an FTA during the APEC summit scheduled for next November in Peru.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2008)