Foreign relations of Paraguay

Paraguayan foreign policy has concentrated on maintaining good relations with its neighbors, and it has been an active proponent of regional co-operation. It is a member of the United Nations and has served one term in the UN Security Council in 1967-1969 . It maintains membership in several international financial institutions, including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. It also belongs to the Organization of American States, the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), the Rio Group, INTERPOL, MERCOSUR (the Southern Cone Common Market) and UNASUR

At the political level, diplomatic affairs and international relations of Paraguay are officially handled by the Ministry of Foreign Relations, which answers to the executive branch of the government. The current Minister of Foreign Relations as of 2013 is José Félix Fernández Estigarribia ^[1]

Unlike any other country in South America, Paraguay recognizes the Republic of China instead of the People's Republic of China. Although not a particularly large country in absolute terms, Paraguay presently is the largest country maintaining official diplomatic relations with the Republic of China.

Latin America

 Argentina

• Date started:1811
• Argentina has an embassy in Asunción and 2 Consulates-General (in Ciudad del Este^[2] and Encarnación).^[3]
• Paraguay has an embassy in Buenos Aires and 7 consulates (in Clorinda, Corrientes, Formosa, Posadas, Resistencia, Rosario and Puerto Iguazú)

 Bolivia

In 2009 Bolivian President Evo Morales and Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo signed an agreement settling a border dispute, which had led to the Chaco War in the 1930s. President Lugo expressed the hope that natural resources could now "be developed and used by both countries" ^[4] Relations, as with many countries in the area, have had increased tension since the Paraguay Coup of 2012.

 Brazil

Border of Brazil and Paraguay

See Paraguay–Brazil relations Paraguay–Brazil relations have improved greatly after Brazilian President Lula's decision in 2009 to triple its payments to Paraguay for energy from a massive hydro-electric dam on their border, ending a long-running dispute. Under the accord, Brazil will pay Paraguay $360m a year for energy from the jointly-operated Itaipu plant. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called it a "historic agreement" and the deal slated as a political victory for former Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo.^[5]

 Chile

See Foreign relations of Chile

 Colombia

See Foreign relations of Colombia

 Mexico

Both countries established diplomatic relations on April 18, 1881.

• Mexico has an embassy in Asuncion^[6] and an honorary consulate in Ciudad del Este.^[7]
• Paraguay has an embassy in Mexico City.^[8]
• Both countries are full members of the Association of Spanish Language Academies, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States and the Rio Group.

 Peru

• Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 2, 1858.
• Paraguay has an embassy in Lima.^[9]
• Peru has an embassy in Asuncion^[10] and an honorary consulate in Ciudad del Este.^[11]
• Both countries are full members of the Rio Group, of the Latin Union, of the Association of Spanish Language Academies, of the Organization of American States, of the Organization of Ibero-American States and of the Union of South American Nations.
• Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations about the relation with Paraguay (in Spanish only)

 Uruguay

• Date started: 1845-04-06
• Paraguay has an embassy in Montevideo.^[12]
• Uruguay has an embassy in Asuncion.^[13]

 Venezuela

Relations between Paraguay and Venezuela have improved since Paraguay's new leftist President Fernando Lugo was inaugurated, a change from 61 unbroken years of Colorado party rule. President Lugo has supported Venezuela's entry into Mercosur however the Colorado Party's influence in Paraguay's Congress and Senate retards this expansion.

Paraguay and Venezuela have restarted negotiations on an unpaid debt of $250 million owed by Paraguayan oil company Petropar to its counterpart Petróleos de Venezuela after the Presidents of Paraguay and Venezuela met to deal with the financing.^[14]

Europe

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Bulgaria	1992-12-02	See Bulgaria–Paraguay relations Bulgaria is represented in Paraguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Paraguay is represented in Bulgaria through its embassy in Rome, Italy. Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations
Denmark		Paraguay is represented in Denmark, through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.[15] Denmark is represented in Paraguay, through its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[16] Denmark also has an honorary consulate in Asunción.
France	1853	Both countries has diplomatic relations since the Treaty of Friendship, Trade and Navigation signed in 1853. France has an embassy in Asuncion[17] and an honorary consulate in Ciudad del Este.[18] Paraguay has an embassy in Paris. French Ministry of Foreign Relations about relations with Paraguay Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations about relations with France
Germany		See Foreign relations of Germany
Italy		See Foreign relations of Italy
Russia		See Paraguay–Russia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 14, 1992. Paraguay has an embassy in Moscow.[19] Russia is represented in Paraguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and an honorary consulate in Asunción.[20] On September 13, 2007, Russia's acting foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, declared to soon open a resident embassy in Paraguay's capital. Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations
Spain		See Paraguay–Spain relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on September 10, 1880. Paraguay has an embassy in Madrid and consulates-general in Barcelona and Málaga.[21] Spain has an embassy in Asuncion.[22] Both countries are full members of the Latin Union, of the Association of Spanish Language Academies, and of the Organization of Ibero-American States. Spanish Ministry of Foreign about the relation with Paraguay (in Spanish only)
Ukraine	1993-02-26	Paraguay is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Moscow (Russia). Ukraine is represented in Paraguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and an honorary consulate in Asuncion. There is an important community of people of Ukrainian origins in Paraguay (between 10,000 and 15,000 people), most of whom arrived at the beginning of the 20th century. (See Ukrainians in Paraguay) Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations
United Kingdom	1853-03-04	See Paraguay – United Kingdom relations The United Kingdom is represented in Paraguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and an honorary consulate in Asunción. Paraguay has an embassy in London.[23] British Foreign and Commonwealth Office about relations with Paraguay Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations about relations with the United Kingdom

Rest of world

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Australia		See Australia–Paraguay relations Australia's positive relations with Paraguay are growing. In 2011, Paraguay opened an embassy in Canberra, Australia opened a consulate in Asunción. As agricultural producers and exporters, they work together to achieve fairer international trade in agricultural products through membership of the Cairns Group and cooperation in other multilateral fora. Australia is also increasing its engagement with Paraguay through development cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. An increasing number of Paraguayan students are pursuing their education at Australian institutions.[24]
Canada		See Foreign relations of Canada
India	1961-09-13	See India–Paraguay relations India is represented in Paraguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina and an honorary consulate in Asuncion.[25] Since 2005, Paraguay has had an embassy in New Delhi.[26]
Egypt		Paraguay has an embassy in Cairo.[27] Egypt has an embassy in Asuncion.[25]
Japan		See Foreign relations of Japan
North Korea		See North Korea–Paraguay relations
Pakistan		Paraguay wants to strengthen economic, commercial and cultural relations with Pakistan as there is tremendous potential exists between both the countries in many sectors. Paraguay is rich in the field of wheat, animal feed, and oilseeds and wood. Pakistan has good expertise in this sector and both countries could benefit if investors turn to cotton in Paraguay. Paraguay has sought trade, art, sports, relations with Pakistan and that the country has many things common with Pakistan.
Republic of China		See Republic of China – Paraguay relations Paraguay recognizes the Republic of China (commonly known by its largest island as Taiwan) instead of the People's Republic of China.
SADR	2000-02-09	Paraguay recognizes the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
South Africa		Paraguay has an Embassy in Pretoria. The South African Embassy at Asuncion was closed in December 1996 and the Resident Ambassador to Argentina was subsequently appointed non-Resident Ambassador to Paraguay. South African also has an honorary consulate in Asuncion. Both countries are full members of the Cairns Group and G20. In April 1974, the then president of Paraguay, Alfredo Stroessner made a five-day state visit to South Africa. Paraguay was given a $20 million loan for agricultural development and agreements were signed on economic cooperation.[28][29] Gen. Stroessner became known as an ally of apartheid South Africa.[30] Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations about relations with South Africa South African Department of Foreign Affairs about relations with Paraguay
South Korea	1962-06-15[31]	See Paraguay – South Korea relations The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Paraguay (Paraguay) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) started on 1962-06-15. The Republic of Paraguay has an embassy in Seoul Republic of Korea.[32] The Republic of Korea has an embassy in Asuncion Republic of Paraguay.[33] There are about 5,000 people of Korean descent living in Paraguay[34] Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Relations about relations with Korea South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade about relations with Paraguay.[35]
United States		See Paraguay – United States relations A military training agreement with Asunción, giving immunity to US soldiers, caused some concern after media reports initially reported that a base housing 20,000 US soldiers was being built at Mariscal Estigarribia within 200 km of Argentina and Bolivia, and 300 km of Brazil, near an airport which could receive large planes (B-52, C-130 Hercules, etc.) which the Paraguan Air Forces do not have.[36][37] In September 2009 Paraguay's President Fernando Lugo revoked plans for US troops to hold joint military exercises and development projects after stating that he no longer thinks that hosting troops taking part in the US department of defence’s "New Horizons" programme was worthwhile. President Lugo referenced strong regional opposition from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador to the expansion of US military bases in Colombia in his decision.[38]

International organizations

Paraguay is a member of the following international organizations:^[39]

CAN (associate), FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD (also known as the World Bank), ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Rio Group, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

See also

• List of diplomatic missions in Paraguay
• List of diplomatic missions of Paraguay

References

1. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Spanish only)". Mre.gov.py. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
2. http://ccest.cancilleria.gov.ar/
3. "Argentine embassy in Asuncion (in Spanish only)". Embajada-argentina.org.py. 1999-02-22. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
4. "Bolivia and Paraguay agree border". BBC News. April 28, 2009. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
5. "Brazil and Paraguay in power deal". BBC News. July 25, 2009. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
6. Embassy of Mexico in Asuncion (in Spanish)
7. http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy24356/
8. Embassy of Paraguay in Mexico City (in Spanish)
9. "Paraguayan embassy in Lima (in Spanish only)". Mre.gov.py. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
10. "Peruvian embassy in Asuncion (in Spanish only)". Embperu.com.py. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
11. http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy24371/
12. "Paraguayan embassy in Montevideo (in Spanish only)". Geocities.com. 2009-10-27. Archived from the original on October 27, 2009. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
13. Uruguayan embassy in Asuncion (in Spanish only)
14. Archived July 28, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
15. "Embassy of Paraguay in Denmark". VisaHQm. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
16. Archived July 28, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
17. French embassy in Asuncion (in French and Spanish only)
18. http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy12960/
19. "Paraguayan embassy in Moscow". Embapar.ru. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
20. "Russia declares its intention to open a resident embassy in Asuncion". En.rian.ru. 2007-09-13. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
21. Embassy of Paraguay in Madrid (in Spanish)
22. Embassy of Spain in Asuncion (in Spanish)
23. "Paraguayan embassy in London". Paraguayembassy.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
24. http://dfat.gov.au/geo/paraguay/paraguay_brief.html
25. "Embajadas" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-06-22.
26. "Embajada India". Mre.gov.py. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
27. "Embapar Egipto". Mre.gov.py. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
28. "General South African History Timeline". Sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
29. "South Africa security cloaks Paraguay leader's state visit (Christian Science Monitor)". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com. 1974-04-10. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
30. "Ex-Paraguay ruler buried in exile (BBC)". BBC News. 2006-08-18. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
31. http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/latinamerica/countries/20070803/1_24588.jsp?menu=m_30_30
32. "Paraguayan embassy in Seoul". Embaparcorea.org. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
33. "Korean embassy in Asuncion (in Korean and Spanish only)". Pry.mofat.go.kr. 2008-11-19. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
34. 《재외동포현황》 [Current Status of Overseas Compatriots], South Korea: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 2009, retrieved 2009-05-21
35. http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/latinamerica/countries/20070803/1_24588.jsp?menu=m_30_30
36. "U.S. Military Moves in Paraguay Rattle Regional Relations". International Relations Center. December 14, 2005. Retrieved April 2006.
37. US Marines put a foot in Paraguay, El Clarín, September 9, 2005 (Spanish)
38. "Paraguay cancels US troops deal - Americas". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
39. "CIA World Factbook - Paraguay". Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 2011-03-10.

External links

• Foreign Ministry of Paraguay (Spanish)