At the macroeconomic level, Paraguay shows good results. We are different, and the type of partnership we have now is stronger. Our debt is one of the lowest in Latin America. We also discussed how to strengthen energy cooperation and the role Paraguay can play as a strategic supplier in the region.
"Absolutely," Paraguayan President Santiago Peña responded when asked if greater involvement from the Trump administration and the revitalization of the Monroe Doctrine are positive for Latin America. "Today we hold the presidency of Mercosur at a key moment."
"Our performance in the markets does not depend on our relationship with the US," he emphasized. Paraguay has a very solid relationship with the Trump administration and has worked closely with Secretary Rubio. Historically, Paraguay has been situated between two large economies with different visions. By being between Brazil and Argentina, we have learned that we must strengthen our institutions and trust in ourselves.
We have collaborated on multiple fronts: hemispheric issues, the situation in Venezuela, and matters of mutual interest. We have had good results before and after Trump. He was the first senator in 40 years to visit Paraguay.
"It wasn't our first choice, but it was the second best," Peña added. "We don't believe in false promises that a single partner will solve all problems." "When we pushed for democratic elections in 2024, they didn't respect the results."
"We are not the same countries as we were 200 years ago," he said. "Dictators don't leave with pamphlets and manifestos in the streets." Paraguay is the only country in South America that maintains relations with Taiwan. The amount will be limited to the budgeted amount, a little less than one billion dollars.
"I think this is something we have been seeking for a long time," the president stated. In combating money laundering, we have shown one of the best performances in the region. Paraguay wants to follow a similar path, leveraging clean energy and competitiveness.
"We see ourselves as allies," Peña said, supporting the capture of Nicolás Maduro. "This is not something that is going to be resolved in weeks. We want to become one of the most developed countries in Latin America and advance towards the OECD."
"No one is going to solve your problems for you," he concluded.
