Paraguay (Washington Insider Magazine)— Paraguayan President Santiago Peña met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington on Thursday. The purpose of the meeting was to explore ways to strengthen the solid cooperation between the two countries.
Discussions on Common Priorities
The meeting delved into various shared concerns, including economic cooperation, security measures, upholding democracy, reinforcing institutions, and combating corruption. Both administrations have identified these areas as crucial priorities on both domestic and international fronts.
Support for Regional and Global Issues
According to Infobae, during the meeting, Sullivan praised Paraguay’s position on major regional and global issues. Paraguay specifically highlighted its support for democracy in Venezuela and its disapproval of Russia’s activities in Ukraine. These viewpoints are closely related to the White House’s agenda.
Interest in US Investment and Regional Alliances
Paraguay’s President Peña showed interest in attracting US private sector investments, especially for digital and physical infrastructure development. Peña expressed Paraguay’s intention to join the Alliance of the Americas for Economic Prosperity, led by President Joe Biden. This alliance already comprises Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.
Concerns over Chinese Influence
In a separate dialogue with Infobae, President Peña highlighted concerns over the increasing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in Latin America. He emphasized strategies such as financing public works, offering soft loans, and expanding commercial markets as avenues through which this influence is exerted. Peña also underscored the need to remain vigilant against terrorist groups and criminal organizations.
Upcoming Trip to Taiwan
Peña’s travel to Washington comes before his trip to Taiwan to attend President-elect Lai Ching-te’s inauguration. Paraguay is the only South American country with official links to Taiwan. This alignment demonstrates Paraguay’s support for Taiwan in the face of Chinese pressure.
Consistent Support for US Policies
Since assuming office in August, President Peña has consistently aligned Paraguay with US policies on various international platforms. This includes recent instances of solidarity with the United States at the United Nations Security Council, particularly regarding resolutions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Reversal of Embassy Decision
In a notable policy shift, the Paraguayan government announced its decision to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv back to Jerusalem. This move signals continued support for Israel, particularly during challenging times.
President Peña’s engagements in Washington underscore the importance of bilateral relations between Paraguay and the United States, with a focus on shared interests and mutual cooperation across various domains.
