Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is currently visiting South America, held a summit meeting with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios at the presidential palace in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, on Saturday morning (4th), Japan time. Paraguay is the only country in South America that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
During the meeting, as reported by various media outlets, the leaders of both countries jointly expressed their determination to prevent unilateral the use of force to change the regional status quo in the face of the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific region. They also agreed to cooperate on disarmament and United Nations Security Council reform.
Additionally, they confirmed the need to establish a new “Japan-Paraguay Space Cooperation Program” to promote multifaceted cooperation in the field of space development through new partnerships between industry, government, and academia. They also agreed to conclude investment agreements as soon as possible to facilitate trade and investment.
In the economic realm, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his consideration for collaborating with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), a customs union that includes Paraguay and Brazil. Paraguay currently holds the rotating presidency of the alliance in the first half of this year.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Kishida stated, “Amid the complex crises facing the international community, we hope to further strengthen bilateral relations and share values such as freedom and democracy,” and he expressed his determination to “elevate the friendly cooperative relationship to new heights.”
Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to France, Brazil, and Paraguay began on May 1 and lasts for six days. This visit marks his first official trip to South America since assuming office.