Taiwan continues to “serve as a beacon of democracy in the region” despite facing sustained pressure, Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez, who is on a five-day visit to Taiwan, said on Thursday in Taipei.
The visiting president expressed his support, saying the people of Taiwan have defended the nation’s sovereignty, fought for freedom and remain committed to preserving peace.
Abdo’s comments were made after President Tsai Ing-wen (???) hosted a military ceremony outside the Presidential Office to welcome the Paraguayan president and his delegation.
Describing Taiwan as an “important ally” and “strategic partner” of Paraguay, Abdo said bilateral relations between the two countries is built on close and mutually beneficial cooperation in economic and cultural fields.
Abdo said his government continues to support Taipei’s efforts to take part in United Nations’ mechanisms and other international organizations based on the belief that Taiwan can contribute to such global challenges as poverty, climate change and anti-terrorism work.
At the same time, he said, Paraguay respects Taiwan’s insistence on its autonomy and territorial integrity, as well as its rights to democracy, human rights and freedom.
Abdo, who will step down after his five-year term ends in August, also said he believes that bilateral relations between the two countries will continue to develop.
Abdo arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday with a delegation that includes Paraguayan First Lady Silvana Lopez Moreira, Foreign Minister Julio Cesar Arriola Ramirez, and Minister of Industry and Commerce Luis Alberto Castiglioni.
The military salute was followed by a meeting behind closed doors between Tsai and Abdo. A cooperation agreement between the two governments was also signed at the Presidential Office.
During the meeting, Tsai expressed hope that Taiwan and Paraguay will continue working together to boost the economies of both countries in the post-COVID-19 era while furthering their cooperation in different areas, according to a statement issued by the Presidential Office.
To tackle the challenges of the pandemic, climate change and authoritarian expansion, Taiwan and Paraguay must work together and stay united, Tsai said, adding that she believes the two countries can make joint contributions to the world.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Office noted that the agreement, inked in the presence of Tsai and Abdo, paves the way for bilateral cooperation on the training and exchange of diplomats from both countries.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel