Paraguayan President Peña meets with U.S. congressmen, reviews bilateral relations

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña held discussions with a U.S. congressional delegation in Asunción, focusing on the robust bilateral relationship between the two nations. The meeting, led by Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, lasted approximately ninety minutes and covered a wide range of cooperative initiatives. According to Javier Giménez, Chief of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency, the talks addressed air connectivity and the importance of establishing direct flights between Paraguay and the United States. Educational exchanges were also a significant point of discussion, alongside trade, particularly Paraguay's beef exports and the potential for increased market access in the U.S. Giménez also mentioned discussions on data centers for artificial intelligence, an area where Paraguay aims to expand its capabilities following an agreement with Taiwan to build a complex in the South American country. Díaz-Balart noted that this visit marked the delegation's first stop on a South American tour and comprised members from both major U.S. political parties. He emphasized Paraguay's importance in the region, stating, "We are starting here, because of the importance of the relationship." Paraguay is recognized as a key ally of the United States in Latin America, with existing cooperation agreements, including a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) that governs the presence of U.S. military personnel. Official figures indicate that the U.S. is a primary destination for Paraguay's agricultural exports, with Paraguayan beef exports reaching $2.095 billion in 2025, with Chile, the United States, and Taiwan as the main markets.

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We are starting here, because of the importance of the relationship.