LIMA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The first plenary sessions of the 52nd General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) began Thursday at the Lima Convention Center, with a view to reaching agreements to combat inequality and discrimination in the region.

Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Cesar Landa, who was elected president of the 52nd OAS General Assembly, said "it is an outstanding honor to lead the 52nd regular session of the OAS General Assembly, this being the third time that Peru has welcomed this commitment."

The first in-person assembly in two years "gathers us together at a crucial moment for our region, to fight together ... against discrimination," said Landa.

Noting that the social gaps in the region have increased "alarmingly" under the COVID-19 pandemic, Landa called on regional countries to take immediate steps to contain and reverse the trend.

Delegations from more than 30 countries and at least 24 foreign ministers will attend the four plenary sessions of the assembly scheduled on Thursday and Friday.