Paraguay's Peña, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio discuss cooperation

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña described his recent conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as "spectacular," highlighting discussions on bilateral cooperation. The meeting, which lasted half an hour, covered security, defense, and economic development projects between Paraguay and the United States.

Peña shared these details with journalists after visiting a school in Luque, near Asunción, for Food Day celebrations. The U.S. State Department confirmed the discussion, stating that Rubio and Peña addressed bilateral priorities, including expanding cooperation in security and the economy. The department also noted Rubio expressed gratitude to Peña for his support of Venezuela's democratic transition and reconstruction efforts.

The call reinforced the "strategic partnership" between the two countries. This high-level exchange follows recent significant agreements, including a memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear cooperation signed after Paraguayan Vice President Pedro Alliana and Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez met with U.S. government representatives in Washington. Additionally, a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) was signed in December, outlining guidelines for security cooperation and granting U.S. military personnel certain exemptions and immunities.