President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) yesterday discussed the need to jointly defend democracy against authoritarianism as she sought to shore up shaky ties with Paraguay, saying that the two nations are good friends.
Paraguay is one of only 14 countries to have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, as Beijing steps up efforts to entice Taipei’s allies to switch sides.
The South American nation would cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and open relations with China if the opposition wins an election in April, Paraguayan presidential candidate Efrain Alegre told Reuters, hoping to boost economically important soy and beef exports.
Photo: Reuters
A cross-party delegation of Paraguayan lawmakers led by Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies President Carlos Maria Lopez met Tsai at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday.
Tsai said that the “deep friendship” between Taiwan and Paraguay was shown during her visit to the country in 2016.
Cooperation between the two nations is excellent, while trade relations are improving, she said, describing all members of the delegation as good friends of Taiwan.
“I would like to emphasize again that in the face of the continued expansion of authoritarianism, we allies on the democratic front must strengthen cooperation to jointly protect our way of life,” Tsai said.
Both Lopez and Alegre are members of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party.
In his address, Lopez thanked Taiwan for arranging the delegation’s visit, which included lawmakers from ruling and opposition parties.
Paraguay and Taiwan have maintained official diplomatic relations for more than 65 years, he said, adding that the shared friendship and democratic values have bonded the allies despite the geographical distance between them.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of his government for scholarships Taiwan has granted to Paraguayan students to study in Taiwan, among other assistance.
Lopez said the delegation’s visit shows that democracies are able to respect each other and the decisions of their voters.
He said he hopes that the two sides’ long-term diplomatic ties can be bolstered, while calling on voters to support the relations so that the two countries can work closely in the international community.
Paraguayan Colorado Party lawmaker and presidential candidate Santiago Pena said that the six decades of ties with Taiwan would remain intact if he wins the April 30 vote.
The ties have been under the pressure in the past few years, especially from Paraguay’s beef producers and farmers, who see the relationship as an obstacle to gaining access to the world’s largest market.
Separately yesterday, Tsai also met with a 12-member delegation from Pacific ally Tuvalu, led by Tuvaluan Speaker of Parliament Samuelu Penitala Teo.
Teo in the meeting pledged that his country, the first among Pacific nations to recognize Taipei, in 1979, would continue its loyalty to Taiwan.
Teo thanked Taiwan for medical and financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taiwan’s assistance helped his government provide vaccines to its people, he said.
Such generosity demonstrates Taiwan’s ability and openness to helping its neighbors, allies and countries in need, he said.
Tuvalu will continue to offer “support for Taiwan’s bid to be an observer in international organizations,” he said.
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