Lima, Peru - Recent China is definitively of vital importance to Peru, said Peruvian Minister of Interior Juan Jose Santivanez Antunez, in an interview with China Global Television Network on the occasion of the opening of the Chancay Port built with Chinese aid near the capital city of Lima. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Peruvian counterpart Dina Boluarte on Thursday attended the opening ceremony of the Chancay Port via video link. The Chancay Port is located 80 kilometers north of Lima, and is a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Peru. After the port's entry into operation, the shipping time between China and Peru will be reduced to 23 days for a one-way trip, cutting logistics costs by more than 20 percent. Xi arrived in Peru Thursday to pay a state visit to Peru and attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which is scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Lima. In the interview on the sidelines of the CEO Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the Peruvian minister said that as Peru develops an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership with China, he hopes that the development of bilateral relations will benefit both countries. He also said that Peru is cooperating with China and other countries around the world on security affairs in an attempt to promote development by reducing treats like transnational crimes. Shotlist: Lima, Peru - Recent: 1. Various of APEC Peru 2024 poster, building; Lima, Peru - Nov 14, 2024 2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Juan Jose Santivanez Antunez, Minister of Interior: "China is definitively of vital importance to Peru. We have an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership with China and the inauguration of the Chancay Port is of great significance to Latin America. In addition, as relations between the two countries gradually strengthen, we hope that the relations can help realistically promote the development of Peru and China's rise in Latin America."; Lima, Peru - Recent 3. Various of APEC 2024 signs; Lima, Peru - Nov 14, 2024 4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Juan Jose Santivanez Antunez, Minister of Interior: "We cooperate with China and other countries around the world on security affairs. We believe we have to crack down on transnational crimes, which means intelligence agencies around the world and national police forces should work closely to contribute to the development of our countries."; Lima, Peru - Recent 5. Aerial shots of cityscape; FILE: Lima, Peru - Date Unknown 6. Street view; Chancay, Peru - Recent 7. Aerial shots of container ships at Chancay Port, port facilities. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]