In June 2003, India and CAN established a Political Dialogue and Cooperation
Mechanism for the purpose of strengthening and diversifying their friendship,
understanding and cooperation and developing mutual trade and investment relations
and cultural and scientific exchanges. During his official visit to Peru, MOS Dr. Shashi
Tharoor met CAN Secretary General Freddy Ehlers, the then Chair Pro Tempore (Peru)
of CAN and the Andean Ambassadors accredited to Lima on 21 January 2010. MOS
Dr. Tharoor expressed India’s interest in strengthening political and economic relations
and cooperation with the Andean Community. The CAN Secretary General wished to
cooperate in the fields of environment, energy and food security, rural development and
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science and technology. The CAN Chair Pro Tempore reiterated the interest of the
member countries in holding the First Meeting of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation
Mechanism.