U.S. and Paraguay Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Deal

The United States and Paraguay have formalized their growing bilateral relationship by signing a nuclear energy cooperation agreement, commonly referred to as an "123 Agreement," in Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez executed the pact, which allows for the transfer of U.S. civilian nuclear technology for energy or scientific purposes.

This agreement operates under Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, requiring recipient countries to adhere to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. The U.S. also reserves the right to supervise the use of nuclear material to ensure it is not diverted for military applications. The U.S. has similar agreements with over 25 countries, including Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil.

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What we are looking for is a relationship that not only continues to grow, but is part of something that is permanent, and not subject to changes of government.

Rubio described the deepening ties between Washington and Asunción as "incredible" over the past year and a half, coinciding with the Trump administration and Paraguay's conservative government, which took power in 2023. He expressed a desire for a relationship that is permanent and not subject to changes in government.

The Paraguayan foreign minister echoed this sentiment, noting that cooperation extends beyond bilateral security to regional matters. The two nations have also recently coordinated on regional political issues, including calling for an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council concerning Nicaragua.

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We are not only looking at bilateral security cooperation, but also in our region.