MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Paraguayan president says regional integration will not stop due to Argentine elections

Peña would not oppose a trade agreement between Mercosur and China, but Paraguay will continue to recognize Taiwan

During a speech at the Wilson Institute in Washington DC, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña highlighted the importance of Mercosur in the face of the recent Argentine elections - regardless of the outcome of the Nov. 19 ballot - and greenlighted China's approach to the bloc.

“There is an opportunity for Paraguay to grow, despite being a Mediterranean country and bordering countries with large territories. We want to prove this to the region and the world,” said Peña when speaking alongside Wilson Center CEO Mark Green.

The Wilson Center is a highly prestigious institution dedicated to the study, research, and debate on matters of international affairs.

Peña insisted “it does not matter” who is elected in Argentina because regional integration will not stop due to the outcome of these elections.

Regarding the runoff pitting Economy Minister Sergio Massa against Libertarian Congressman Javier Milei, Peña said “I hope they can solve their internal problems.” He also called on Mercosur to explore partnerships with other economies, such as the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. He also stated that he would not oppose a trade agreement between Mercosur and China, but Paraguay will continue to recognize Taiwan.

“With Taiwan, I realized that it is not necessary to have a large territory or a large number of inhabitants to be a developed country. I am convinced of the relationship between Taiwan and Paraguay, which is not only based on trade but also on shared visions, such as the importance of advanced human capital,” Peña pointed out.

“I shared with Ambassador Mark Green a public conversation about Paraguay and our vision of a nation integrated into the world,” he added later on through social networks.

Peña also participated in an event at the Georgetown Americas Institute, where he spoke about the structural challenges facing his government as the country attempts to strengthen governance, address corruption, and manage the increasingly destructive impacts of climate change.

Peña's agenda in Washington Tuesday includes meetings with lawmakers and with institutions involved in bilateral trade and investment between Paraguay and the United States.