ASUNCION, Paraguay (TVBS News) — Paraguay's President-elect Santiago Peña has pledged to strengthen ties with Taiwan, Vice President Lai Ching-te announced on Monday (Aug 14).
Lai is currently in Paraguay to partake in the inauguration ceremony of President Santiago Peña, set for Tuesday. This week-long visit encompasses layovers in New York and a forthcoming one in San Francisco.
During his New York layover, Lai held discussions with Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's representative to the United States, fueling speculation about a potential partnership for the upcoming presidential election.
Aside from engaging with President-elect Peña, Lai also met with the outgoing President of Paraguay, Abdo Benítez. Both leaders underscored the pivotal significance of cooperation between Paraguay and Taiwan.
Lai highlighted Peña's commitment to upholding diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and further enhancing ties between the two nations.
Paraguay stands among the last 13 countries upholding diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, the final ally in Latin America.
Upon his arrival in Paraguay, Lai received a warm welcome from passionate compatriots, a poignant moment that "stirred a feeling of never having departed his homeland."
Lai expressed gratitude to Taiwanese expatriates in the South American nation for their endeavors to promote Taiwan's image and advance its interests.
Lai currently leads as the frontrunner for Taiwan's 2024 presidential election.
The Paraguay visit aims to underscore the government's commitment to accentuating the strategic importance of diplomatic ties with South American countries while also fostering a heightened sense of unity among Taiwanese expatriates toward the government.
