It is hard to believe that two countries so far away geographically can be so close in the hearts of their peoples.
Paraguay and Taiwan established diplomatic relations on July 12, 1957. It concluded between July 6 and 9 that year, after an exchange of notes between the two states in Caracas, Venezuela. These letters were signed by then-Paraguayan ambassador Carlos Montanaro and then-Taiwanese minister Wan Li Yen.
Paraguay is one of 12 countries that recognize Taiwan as a sovereign, free and independent nation with the right to join the international system of nations, as the nation has been proclaiming for many years, in international forums.
This constitutes a differential factor with the other nations of South America, based on the criterion of universality of rights and the Montevideo Convention of 1933, on the rights and duties of national states.
Taiwan shares the same civic values and democratic principles regarding the rule of law, respect for human rights, sovereignty and independence of peoples, as well as education being the main factor and source of progress and well-being of a country.
Taiwan and Paraguay maintain that only freedom and the rule of law — which is, in force, unrestricted — can guarantee justice and the well-being of our peoples.
Our bilateral trade in the past five years has grown by more than 600 percent, which demonstrates our economic complementarity and that, as diplomatic allies, we can collaborate on the progress of our states.
We have also received cooperation in programs to support our economy, which is currently a source of inspiration for other countries, to enable more vulnerable sectors to enter the economic and labor market.
Paraguayan President Santiago Pena, who has visited Taiwan twice in less than a year, has reiterated to President William Lai (賴清德) the Guarani nation’s international support for the courageous Taiwanese, which has been demonstrated in forums such as the UN General Assembly, World Environment Congress, Interpol and the World Health Assembly.
The many Paraguayan scholarship students studying in schools in Taiwan, as well as the students who attend the Polytechnic University of Taiwan-Paraguay, show that these are fundamental tools for the training of young Paraguayans — thanks to the support of the Taiwanese government — which would the base of a new Paraguay, with technology and innovation.
All these make us reaffirm that Taiwan is the rightful choice as a partner in foreign policy, which is demonstrated by our strong, solid and unwavering bilateral ties.
This 67-year strategic alliance of cooperation and development between our countries strengthens our relationship, which despite being geographically separated, is united by the desire to improve the well-being of our peoples.
Today we can affirm with all certainty that we are on the right side of history. The relations between the two sibling countries are going through one of their best moments, and Paraguay is one of Taiwan’s most important diplomatic allies, which raises its voice so Taiwan is respected as a nation and can join the international system of nations.
Carlos Jose Fleitas Rodriguez is the Paraguayan ambassador to the Republic of China.
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