President Marcos, Paraguay president meet for enhanced cooperation

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will meet Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios at Malacañang today to discuss ways to expand the two countries’ cooperation in key sectors.

Peña arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 3:36 p.m. yesterday from Taipei. He was received by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and other Philippine officials.

This is the first presidential visit between the two countries since the establishment of their diplomatic relations on Dec. 12, 1962, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Peña will be accorded official honors today at Malacañang Palace, where he and Marcos will hold a bilateral meeting.

The two leaders are expected to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation and mutual development.

“The official visit underscores the continued efforts of the Philippines to broaden its engagement with its Latin American partners and to diversify its economic partnerships,” the PCO said.

Paraguay is considered an emerging partner of the Philippines in Latin America.

“Both the Philippines and Paraguay seek to expand cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade and investment, as well as agriculture,” the PCO said.

“Both countries share common values rooted in democracy, the rule of law and a commitment to international cooperation,” it added.