It is hard to believe that two countries so geographically far away can be so close in the hearts of their peoples.

Paraguay and Taiwan established diplomatic relations on July 12, 1957. Relations were set up after an exchange of notes between the two nations in 1957 between July 6 and 9 in Caracas, Venezuela. 

Then-Ambassador Carlos Montanaro of Paraguay and then-Taiwanese Minister Wan Li-yen signed these letters. As one of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies, Paraguay recognizes Taipei as a sovereign, free, and independent nation, with the right to join the international system of nations, as we have been proclaiming for many years in different international forums. 

This sets Paraguay apart from other countries in South America, based on the criterion of the universality of rights and the Montevideo Convention of 1933 on the rights and duties of nations. 

Our two countries share the same civic values and democratic principles regarding the rule of law, respect for human rights, sovereignty, and independence of peoples. We also value the importance of education as a source of progress and well-being for a nation. Both nations maintain that only freedom and the rule of law can guarantee justice and the well-being of our peoples.

Bilateral trade in the last five years has grown by more than 600%, demonstrating how our economies complement each other. We have also received cooperation in programs to support our economy to enable more vulnerable sectors to enter the economic and labor market, which is currently a source of inspiration for other countries. 

President Santiago Pena, who has visited Taiwan twice in less than a year, has reiterated to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) the international support of the Guarani nation for the Taiwanese, demonstrated in forums such as the U.N. General Assembly, the World Environment Congress, Interpol, and World Health Assembly.

Thanks to the support of the Taiwanese government, many Paraguayans are studying with the help of scholarships in Taiwan, as well as students training at the Polytechnic University of Taiwan-Paraguay (UPTP) in Paraguay. These students in the future will help Paraguay develop a solid base in technology and innovation. 

All of these reasons have reaffirmed our decision that choosing to partner with Taiwan was the correct foreign policy move for Paraguay. These 67 years of strategic alliance and development are united by the desire to better the well-being of our citizens. 

Today we can affirm with all certainty that we are on the right side of history, that relations between our two countries are going through one of their best moments, and that Paraguay is one of the most important diplomatic allies that it raises its voice so that Taiwan is respected as a nation and can rejoin the international system of nations.