Hawaii is working on establishing a sister-state relationship with a South American country.

During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, Peru’s minister of foreign trade and tourism met with Hawaii lawmakers and tourism officials to discuss building the relationship with the Province of Lima.

State Rep. Karen Awana was among those who met with Peru’s Jose Luis Silva Martinot. 

She said Thursday APEC provided an opportunity to meet with leaders of other countries to learn about their economies and cultures.

She says a relationship between Hawaii and Peru will benefit both governments.  

Hawaii has maintained 15 sister-state relationships, mostly with Asia and the Pacific.