Paraguay reaffirms ties with Taiwan despite pressure from China
Photo: Taiwan Embassy in Paraguay.
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña reaffirmed Paraguay’s commitment to Taiwan during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where both leaders expressed their opposition to unilateral changes in the Taiwan Strait through the use of force. This meeting in Asunción marked a milestone in relations between Paraguay and Taiwan, backed by Japan as a strategic ally.
Kishida stressed the importance of working closely with Paraguay not only on bilateral issues but also in the international community, underscoring the need to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and strengthen solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean.
President Peña reiterated the 66-year diplomatic relationship between Paraguay and Taiwan, highlighting the interest in promoting a comprehensive cooperative partnership with Taiwan and the support of Japan and the United States in this commitment.
The visit included the signing of memoranda of understanding in information and communication technologies, foreign trade and space cooperation. The importance of moving towards a free trade agreement between Japan and Mercosur was highlighted.
The Japanese community in Paraguay was also part of the agenda of Prime Minister Kishida, who received the National Order of Merit from President Peña.
This visit marks the 105th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Paraguay and Japan and reinforces the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral ties and international cooperation.
After his visit, Kishida will continue his tour in Brazil before returning to Tokyo, after having participated in the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in France, where he highlighted the relevant role of Latin America and the Caribbean in the international community.
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