PASAY CITY, 24 November 2022 – The inaugural bilateral consultation meeting between the Philippines and Paraguay was successfully convened virtually on 21 November 2022. The milestone event coincided with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries as they shared commitment to strengthening ties.
The virtual meeting was co-chaired by PH Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Paraguayan Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Raul Silvero Silvagni.
The two highlighted the Bilateral Consultations Mechanism as an important avenue for increasing political and economic dialogue with the end in view of fostering ties in various areas. Both Undersecretary Lazaro and Vice Minister Silvero expressed hope that it would lead to deeper and more sustained collaboration between both sides.
During the meeting, the Philippines and Paraguay discussed issues such as trade and investment opportunities, agricultural cooperation, green and renewable energy, climate change, and security cooperation. Both sides proposed concrete initiatives to further boost the shared agenda between the two countries.
The meeting was also an opportunity to exchange views on current global and regional developments and the post-pandemic economic recovery.
Paraguay, at the heart of South America, is among the most stable economies in the region and a major player in agriculture, notably in bovine meat and sugar. It has identified the Philippines as a gateway to increase its presence in Southeast Asia.
Source: Republic of Philippines Department Of Foreign Affairs