MIAMI – Peruvian President José Jerí has been invited by U.S. President Donald Trump to attend a high-level summit of Latin American and Caribbean leaders in Miami on March 7, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations. The invitation comes as Jerí faces a potential censure vote in the Peruvian Congress and investigations into alleged ties with Chinese business interests, casting a shadow over his participation in the regional gathering.
The summit, framed by the U.S. As a key forum for regional cooperation, is intended to strengthen strategic ties in security and promote shared development and democratic stability. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations stated the invitation reflects the bicentennial celebration of diplomatic relations between Peru and the United States, and a history of “friendship founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a bilateral agenda oriented to the benefit of both peoples.”
El presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, aterriza en el jardín sur de la Casa Blanca, el 8 de febrero de 2026. (EFE/EPA/BONNIE CASH)
/ BONNIE CASH / POOL
The meeting will be held at Trump National Doral Miami and is described as the first regional forum convened by Trump since his return to office. Leaders expected to attend alongside Jerí include Argentina’s Javier Milei, Santiago Peña of Paraguay, Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia, Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, and Nasry Asfura of Honduras, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations.
A Summit Amidst Political Uncertainty
The timing of the invitation is particularly noteworthy given the political turmoil facing Jerí in Peru. On February 17, the Peruvian Congress is scheduled to hold an extraordinary session to discuss a motion of censure against the president, stemming from investigations into his alleged connections with Chinese entrepreneurs. This looming vote casts significant doubt on Jerí’s political future and his ability to participate in the Miami summit.
The censure motion, and the investigations that prompted it, represent a serious challenge to Jerí’s administration. The outcome of the February 17th congressional session will be pivotal in determining whether he will be able to travel to Miami and engage with regional leaders, or if his focus will remain on navigating the domestic political crisis. Ernesto Álvarez, as reported by El Comercio, has argued that any censure motion should be based on “serious grounds” rather than speculation.
Regional Implications of the Summit
The summit itself signals a renewed U.S. Focus on engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean. The stated goals of strengthening security cooperation and promoting shared development align with longstanding U.S. Policy objectives in the region. Though, the composition of the invited leaders – those described as “aligned” with the Trump administration – suggests a potential shift in approach, prioritizing relationships with governments sharing similar ideological perspectives.
The choice of Miami as the location for the summit also carries symbolic weight, given the city’s large Latino population and its historical role as a gateway between the U.S. And Latin America. The Trump National Doral Miami, owned by the former president, further underscores the personal involvement of Trump in shaping the agenda and outcomes of the meeting.
Jerí’s Position and the Bicentennial Connection
The Peruvian government has emphasized that the invitation to Jerí coincides with the commemoration of the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Peru and the United States. This historical milestone, officials say, underscores the enduring friendship and shared interests between the two nations. However, the domestic political challenges facing Jerí threaten to overshadow this diplomatic moment.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy. Jerí’s ability to effectively represent Peru at the summit, and to advance the country’s interests in regional discussions, will depend heavily on the outcome of the upcoming congressional vote and the resolution of the investigations into his alleged ties.
The next key date to watch is February 17th, when the Peruvian Congress will convene to discuss the motion of censure against President Jerí. The outcome of that session will determine whether he will be able to attend the summit in Miami on March 7th.
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