Philippines, Paraguay seek stronger political, economic ties
At A Glance
- President Marcos and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation.
- The two leaders discussed trade, food security, energy, and ASEAN-MERCOSUR ties.
- Peña's visit marked the first-ever visit of a Paraguayan president to the Philippines.
President Marcos and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios committed to strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Paraguay during a historic bilateral meeting in Manila.
Marcos welcomed Peña during the first-ever Official Visit of a Paraguayan president to the Philippines on Monday, May 11, describing the meeting as an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.
“Our meeting today will help bilateral relations deepen, and we will find ways to enhance existing cooperation to chart the course for a reinvigorated, productive, and sustained collaboration,” he said.
The President also emphasized stronger political, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
“As we convene this historic bilateral meeting, the Philippines and us Filipinos… once again, extend our hand of friendship and partnership to Paraguay,” Marcos said.
Historic first visit
For his part, Peña described his visit as “historic,” saying it marks the beginning of a “new chapter” in Philippines-Paraguay relations.
“It is an honor for me to be in the Philippines on an occasion of historic significance as this marked the first visit of a President of Paraguay to this country,” he said.
The Paraguayan leader said the visit reflects the willingness of both governments to strengthen bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding.
Trade, food security
The two leaders also discussed trade and economic cooperation, including food security initiatives.
Peña welcomed the Philippines’ recent authorization allowing the importation of Paraguayan beef, which enabled the first shipment of Paraguayan beef products to the Philippine market.
“Paraguay, as a reliable food producer, can make a meaningful contribution to food security,” Peña said.
The Paraguayan president also described the Philippines as a “dynamic market” and an important gateway to Southeast Asia.
ASEAN-MERCOSUR ties
The meeting also touched on broader regional cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the South American trade bloc MERCOSUR.
Peña noted that Paraguay currently holds the Pro Tempore Presidency of MERCOSUR while the Philippines chairs ASEAN this year, calling it an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between Southeast Asia and South America.
“This convergence opens a valuable opportunity to bring both regions' blocs closer together,” Peña said.
The Paraguayan leader also expressed interest in strengthening ties with ASEAN, including Paraguay’s planned accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
Energy, development cooperation
Peña also highlighted Paraguay’s experience in renewable energy generation and said it presents opportunities for cooperation and knowledge-sharing with the Philippines.
Both sides likewise discussed development cooperation, institutional strengthening, and efforts to expand trade and investment relations.
“I am convinced that this visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in our bilateral relationship,” Peña said.