The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) yesterday congratulated Paraguay on holding a smooth presidential election and said that Taiwan looks forward to cultivating a stronger friendship with the South American country under the new administration.
MOFA Department of Central and South American Affairs Director-General Simon Ko (柯森耀) said that Taiwan welcomes the election of Paraguay’s new leader — ex-bishop Fernando Lugo — and said it looks forward to working with the new government.
Ko said Taiwan will send an official congratulatory note to the president-elect as soon as Lugo is officially declared winner of yesterday’s election.
“Taiwan and Paraguay have enjoyed a strong friendship over the last 50 years and we believe the ties will only grow stronger,” said Ko, adding that his department will keep a close watch on the alliance as Beijing has vowed to lure away all of Taiwan’s 23 allies.
During his campaign, when asked about the Taiwan versus China dilemma, Lugo evaded giving a clear answer but reportedly said Paraguay will maintain a “fair balance and broad diplomatic relations.”
“Sometimes people propose the dilemma of China or Taiwan, Chavez or the United States. But Paraguay will maintain a fair balance. Paraguay will maintain relations with everyone. It won’t be submissive with any country, big or small. We will maintain our historical, cultural and political identity which can guarantee good relations with everyone,” Lugo said.
Lugo is scheduled to officially take the helm on Aug. 15. So far, it is uncertain whether Taiwan’s president-elect Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) will attend the inauguration ceremony or not. Ma’s spokesman said the trip will not be finalized until Ma is sworn in on May 20.
If Ma ends up attending the ceremony, it would most likely be his first foreign visit as Taiwan’s commander in chief. The Dominican Republic, another ally of Taiwan, is holding its presidential inauguration on Aug. 16.
Paraguay and Taiwan forged relations back in 1957. It is the only South American country that maintains formal ties with Taipei.
Also see: Ex-bishop wins Paraguayan presidency
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