Paraguay

Pope Francis, though suffering from pulmonary inflammation, held a meeting at Casa Santa Marta with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios and his delegation, discussing bilateral relations, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and peace

Venezuela and Paraguay have decided to restore diplomatic and consular relations after being broken since 2019, as announced in joint statements by both foreign ministries

Due to a surge in the Paraná River caused by heavy rains, at least 2.000 families have been forced to evacuate their homes, affecting around 12.000 people in several departments, with temporary shelters and tents set up for the affected residents

The importation of arms into Paraguay has been suspended as part of President Santiago Peña's strategy to address the security challenges affecting the border region, especially in areas shared with Brazil

The government has acknowledged a lack of control over its prisons, with a specific reference to the prison of Tacumbú, and emphasised the justifiable need for life insurance for prison guards due to the daily risks they face in their work

Security for Israeli institutions and citizens will be enhanced through the National Police, aligning with the government's condemnation of terrorism against Israel

Paraguay and the EU reached an agreement to prevent the repeal of an educational support convention dating back to 2020, securing US$40 million for the country's education system, with a shift in terminology to align with Paraguay's legal framework

The country, along with Brazil, Bolivia, and Uruguay has criticized Argentina's imposition of tolls on ships and barges carrying exports along the Paraguay-Parana waterway, labeling the move as "unilateral and arbitrary”

The country has lodged a protest against Argentina for the irregular detention of Paraguayan-flagged barges that refused to pay a unilaterally imposed toll on the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway

Paraguay and Uruguay have agreed to construct a US$300 million port in Uruguay's Soriano department, providing Paraguay with access to the sea, thus ensuring sovereignty over foreign trade

Social, political, human rights and indigenous organisations have marched in the Asunción capital on August 15th, coinciding with the presidential inauguration of Santiago Peña, to demand fair wages, labor rights, healthcare and education improvements

The country’s rice exports have surged by 23,2% in the first half of the current year compared to the same period last year, reaching 518.000 tons and contributing to a 48% increase in value