Peruvian President Ollanta Humala and Canadian Governor General David Johnston on Monday agreed to speed up the establishment of two technical institutes in the Peruvian mining and military sectors.

The two leaders got closer to signing a Memorandum of Understanding on establishing the Technical Institute of the Armed Forces, with Canada's help, to train military volunteers, said Peruvian Defense Minister Pedro Cateriano.

They also took important steps toward establishing in Lima a branch of the Canada-based Sustainable Mining Institute to promote corporative social responsibility among mining companies, said Peruvian Minister of Energy and Mining Jorge Merino.

Both leaders further discussed ways to increase investment, cooperation in such spheres as economy and trade, education, health, science and technology, and the fight against organized crime.

The free trade agreement between Peru and Canada went into effect in 2009. In 2011, bilateral trade reached 4.7 billion U.S. dollars, with Peruvian exports hitting 4.18 billion dollars. Canadian investments in Peru amounted to 845.1 million dollars.

The Canadian delegation, comprising about 60 senior officials and businessmen, also met with representatives of Peru's productive sectors to explore investment and business opportunities.

Johnston arrived in Peru from Mexico and is due to conclude his visit on Wednesday. He will then head to Guatemala to continue his Latin America tour. Endi

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