Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on Monday (22) in Asunción, stressed the beginning of a “new era” in relations with Paraguay. It was the first official visit by a diplomatic representative of his rank to the South American country in sixty years of mutual diplomatic relations.
Jaishankar met with his Paraguayan counterpart Julio César Arriola at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters and then proceeded to the Palacio de López (seat of government), where he was received by the country’s president, Mario Abdo Benítez.
“I can say with confidence that we are entering a new era in our relations,” the foreign minister told the press after the private and extended talks with his host counterpart.
Jaishankar, who will preside over the official inauguration of the Indian Embassy in Paraguay, described the talks with Arriola as “very productive.”
They discussed bilateral relations, trade, investment, growth prospects, and development partnerships, among other issues.
INDIA IS AN EMERGING POWER ON A GLOBAL SCALE
Jaishankar has said that India is an emerging power on a global scale and a regional power in Asia in terms of size and population.
He said India is one of the world’s most dynamic economies, which has experienced tremendous growth in recent years.
He said they had an excellent exchange of views on the state of the world. He said that our shared commitment to international rules-based order is a world that respects international law, which respects agreements, and which supports multilateralism.
Jaishankar jointly inaugurated the new Indian Embassy in Paraguay with Julio César Arriola. Paraguayan Interior Minister Federico A. González was also present on occasion.
The Indian visitor said it is a reiteration of the India-Paraguay bilateral solid relationship and the long-standing multilateral cooperation. He expressed confidence that the new resident mission will take the India-Paraguay relations to greater heights.
Jaishankar is on his first-ever visit to South America to boost regional and bilateral ties.
He is also the first Indian Foreign Minister to visit Paraguay, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Later, Jaishankar called on President Marito Abdo and conveyed the personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key Facts
— Deep Dive
— For the complete picture, read our in-depth guide: Paraguay: Washington's Most Valued Ally in Latin America
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