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A delegation from RedCLARA, comprised of Mark Urban, Director of International Cooperation, Academic Relations, and Communications, along with Cecilia Ortiz, Manager of Academic Network Engagement, embarked on a mission across Peru from March 4th to 8th. Their agenda was packed with meetings and workshops aimed at fostering the establishment of the National Research and Education Network (RNIE) of the country and showcasing the benefits of connecting to the BELLA II Project, coordinated by the organization and funded by the European Union.

In total, the "Peru Mission" visited three cities: Lima, Arequipa, and Chiclayo. In the national capital, Urban and Ortiz took part in two events where they could present to government authorities, representatives from national organizations such as the National Telecommunications Program (PRONATEL), the National Commission for Research and Development (CONIDA), the Ministry of Education (MINEDU), the Directorate of Regulatory Policies and Competition of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the General Directorate of Telehealth, Referral, and Emergencies of the Ministry of Health (DIGTEL), and various universities from the region, the benefits of joining RedCLARA through a national network. "Discussions with Peruvian authorities are progressing steadily, and we are pleased to perceive a great interest in forming the RNIE in the country," said Mark Urban.

In Lima, the delegation also met with Martin Köhne Fulchi, Senior Advisor to the Office of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, who showed great interest in including Peru in the BELLA II Project. "Peru would be of great importance to BELLA II, as it would close the Latin American ring connection. We are still in discussions and have good expectations that organizations will come to an agreement to achieve this dual victory: the formation of the Peruvian RNIE and its addition to BELLA II," explained RedCLARA's Director of International Cooperation, Academic Relations, and Communications.

After these meetings, the mission headed to the north of the country, specifically to Chiclayo in the Lambayeque region. "This is a key region for the agricultural and industrial development of the northern part of the country. There, we conducted a presentation, also with great interest from the attendees, which received the support and participation of the Chiclayo Municipal Government, the Regional Education Management, and other organizations and universities," Cecilia Ortiz recounted.

During the visit, the delegation met with the governor of the Lambayeque region, Jorge Pérez, who expressed interest in collaborating with RedCLARA to improve connectivity from regions. The idea is for regional governments to support the formalization of the country's RNIE and the expansion of connectivity, not only for educational, scientific, and research institutions but also for governments and service provision, among others.

The final stop of the trip was the city of Arequipa, where the regional network delegation met with José Quilcate, Zonal Head of the Registrar's Office of the regional government, who also showed great interest in the connectivity provided by RedCLARA. A presentation was also made to promote the formation of an RNIE, which included institutions such as the National University of the Altiplano, Puno Headquarters, Andean University of Cusco, Catholic University of Santa María, National University of Cañete, Autonomous National University of Huanta, San Pablo Catholic University, and finally, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Arequipa, all of whom agreed to support the creation of the organization, not only its formalization but also actively participate in the formation of the RNIE. From Peru, the delegation continued their journey to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, for a series of meetings with authorities from that country.