External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his first official visit to Paraguay on August 22, where he inaugurated the newly opened Indian Embassy in Asuncion, the capital city.
EAM and his Paraguayan counterpart Julio Cesar Arriola jointly inaugurated India’s embassy in Asuncion.
Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar wrote, “Jointly inaugurated the new Indian Embassy in Paraguay with FM Julio Cesar Arriola. Thank Minister of Interior @FedericoA_GF for his presence. A reiteration of our strong bilateral relationship and our long-standing multilateral cooperation.
“External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar paid an official visit to the Republic of Paraguay from 21-22 August 2022 and inaugurated the newly opened Indian Embassy in Asuncion,” a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs read.
Inaugurated newly opened Indian Embassy in Asuncion
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his first official visit to Paraguay on August 22, where he inaugurated the newly opened Indian Embassy in Asuncion, the capital city. EAM and his Paraguayan counterpart Julio Cesar Arriola jointly inaugurated India’s embassy in Asuncion.
On his arrival in Paraguay, EAM unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and praised the Asuncion Municipality’s decision to place it on the city’s prominent waterfront. EAM also paid tribute to Paraguayan national heroes and remembered their sacrifices at the National Pantheon of Heroes.
Furthermore, the External Affairs Minister paid a visit to the historic Casa de la Independencia, where Paraguay’s independence movement began over two centuries ago.
During his two-day visit, Jaishankar met with Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez at the presidential palace.
Areas discussed by both the ministers
The Foreign Minister was welcomed in Asuncion by Paraguay Foreign Minister Julio Cesar Arriola and held “productive” talks with his Paraguayan counterpart, during which both leaders discussed new areas of cooperation and exchanged views on the state of the world. They also discussed regional and global issues and agreed to continue supporting one another in multilateral fora in order to promote a rules-based international order.
Both parties agreed to expand their collaboration in areas such as trade and commerce, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, traditional medicines, technical and development cooperation, solar energy, and MERCOSUR.
Jaishankar emphasised that India’s supply of vaccines during the COVID pandemic was a show of solidarity.
In the presence of Paraguay’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Luis Alberto Castiglioni, he also addressed a business gathering at the Industrial Union of Paraguay. EAM expressed gratitude to Luis Castiglioni for his participation.
Invited Paraguayan businesses to explore opportunities in India
While S Jaishankar expressed confidence that Indian businesses will be heavily involved in Paraguay, he also invited Paraguayan businesses to explore opportunities in India, stating that the establishment of a resident Indian Embassy will lead to an increase in our economic engagement. Our bilateral activities will be focused on trade and investment, according to the EAM.
S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, is in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina from August 22 to 27. In addition to bilateral meetings with his counterparts, the External Affairs Minister will meet with the top leaders of all three countries during his visit.
Jaishankar met with Ambassadors from Latin American and Caribbean countries in New Delhi on Friday, ahead of his visit to the region.
The Minister thanked the Ambassadors for their perspectives and insights into strengthening mutual relations and cooperation, and expressed optimism about the potential for growing cooperation between India and the South American and Caribbean countries.
