MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Abdo tells Biden US is a strategic partner of Paraguay

The United States is a strategic ally of Paraguay, Abdo says

Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez and his US colleague Joseph Biden Thursday agreed on the importance of “democratic values” during their meeting in New York.

“Very pleased to share with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in New York. The United States is a strategic ally of Paraguay, the fruit of a historic friendship based on shared democratic values. Thank you for the hospitality!,” posted Abdo Benítez on social media after a reception Biden held for foreign heads of state.

Abdo's words came in the aftermath of recent designations by the Biden administration of former President Horacio Cartés and current Vice President Hugo Velázquez as “significantly corrupt.”

The Paraguayan leader was in New York to deliver his last message as sitting President of Paraguay before the United Nations General Assembly.

From New York, Abdo went Thursday to Miami, Florida, where he is speaking at a meeting organized by the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University. He was also due to participate in the reception in support of the Adam Smith Center - Economic Freedom, at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora. Abdo is due back in Asunción Saturday, Sept. 24.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador in Asunción Marc Ostfied told reporters that his country would continue the joint work with local authorities in bilateral trade and also in the fight against corruption.