President Marcos, Paraguay’s Peña commit to stronger PH-Paraguay ties in historic meeting

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios have agreed to strengthen political, economic, and people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Paraguay following their bilateral meeting in Manila on Monday, May 11.

Marcos welcomed Peña during what is considered the first official state visit by a Paraguayan president to the Philippines, describing the engagement as a milestone that could deepen cooperation between the two countries.

“Our meeting today will help bilateral relations deepen, and we will find ways to enhance existing cooperation to chart the course for a reinvigorated, productive, and sustained collaboration,” Marcos said.

He also underscored the importance of expanding ties across political, economic, and social dimensions.

“As we convene this historic bilateral meeting, the Philippines and us Filipinos… once again, extend our hand of friendship and partnership to Paraguay,” Marcos said.

For his part, Peña called the visit “historic,” saying it signals the start of a “new chapter” in relations between the two nations.

“It is an honor for me to be in the Philippines on an occasion of historic significance as this marked the first visit of a President of Paraguay to this country,” he said.

He added that the visit reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding.

The two leaders also discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture and food security. Peña welcomed the Philippines’ recent approval allowing the importation of Paraguayan beef, which paved the way for the first shipment of beef products from Paraguay to the Philippine market.

“Paraguay, as a reliable food producer, can make a meaningful contribution to food security,” Peña said.

He also described the Philippines as a “dynamic market” and a strategic entry point to Southeast Asia.

The talks further touched on ASEAN-MERCOSUR relations, with Peña noting that Paraguay currently holds the Pro Tempore Presidency of MERCOSUR while the Philippines chairs ASEAN this year—creating an opportunity to strengthen inter-regional dialogue. MERCOSUR is a South American trade bloc.

“This convergence opens a valuable opportunity to bring both regions' blocs closer together,” Peña said.

Peña also expressed interest in deeper engagement with ASEAN, including Paraguay’s planned accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and highlighted potential cooperation in renewable energy, development assistance, and institutional strengthening.

He said the visit would mark the beginning of a stronger bilateral partnership moving forward.

“I am convinced that this visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in our bilateral relationship,” Peña said.