Presidents Tsai Ing-wen and Horacio Cartes reaffirmed the strength of diplomatic ties between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Paraguay during a state dinner for the South American leader July 13 in Taipei City at the conclusion of his three-day visit to the country.
Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of official relations between the two nations, Tsai described Paraguay as an important and true friend of Taiwan. She highlighted Paraguay’s unwavering support for the country in the international community, citing its strong backing for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization.
Tsai expressed her hope that the two sides can build on their robust partnership by further enhancing bilateral collaboration and exchanges.
According to Cartes, the ROC-Paraguay partnership is a model of mutually beneficial diplomatic ties. He offered his gratitude for Taiwan assistance programs in his country spanning such areas as aquaculture, infrastructure and scholarships.
Paraguay will continue to staunchly support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, Cartes said, adding that he looks forward to boosting ties and collaboration.
Earlier the same day, Tsai accompanied the Paraguay leader on a tour of southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City. Cartes was welcomed by Mayor Chen Chu and visited the Port of Kaohsiung to learn about the development of the southern city, its urban revitalization initiatives and opportunities for bilateral collaboration in areas spanning infrastructure and trade.
The Paraguay delegation also toured the Asia’s New Bay Area, a municipal project launched in 2011 to rejuvenate 590 hectares of waterfront land and develop the city’s cultural and creative, cruise, digital and tourism industries.
During their visit, Kaohsiung City Deputy Mayor Shih Che briefed the group on the new bay area’s five major ongoing or completed construction projects—the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, Kaohsiung Port Terminal and Cruise Service Center, Kaohsiung Maritime Cultural and Pop Music Center, Kaohsiung Main Public Library and a light rail system.
Cartes and a delegation of officials and lawmakers arrived in Taiwan July 11 for a state visit marking the 60th anniversary of ROC-Paraguay diplomatic relations. They attended a welcoming banquet hosted by Tsai at Taipei Guest House the same day, before the heads of state held talks at the Office of the President and witnessed the signing of an economic cooperation accord and a mutual recognition agreement July 12. (KWS-E)
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