Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Paraguay signed several agreements on Monday, including a visa waiver arrangement and trade-related partnerships, during the official visit of Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios to Malacañang.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he and Peña held “productive and forward-looking discussions” aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, renewable energy, and diplomacy.
“President Peña and I discussed the potential of increasing trade and investments between our two nations, starting with generating awareness and interest among businesses of both sides,” Marcos said during a joint press conference.
“With the longer-term objective of identifying and enabling economic and commercial opportunities,” he added.
Among the agreements was a visa waiver agreement for holders of ordinary Philippine and Paraguayan passports, aimed at boosting tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The two sides also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Paraguay’s Investment and Export Network or REDIEX to strengthen institutional and commercial ties.
Another agreement signed involved diplomatic cooperation and training between the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Marcos also highlighted potential export opportunities for Philippine products in Paraguay.
“The president also underscored the potential for Philippine exports of tuna, sardines, and milkfish products to Paraguay,” the Palace said.
During the meeting, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, including the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 and Paraguay’s presidency of the Southern Common Market or MERCOSUR.
Marcos expressed hope that Peña’s visit would further deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us to make sure that we keep the momentum going in our bilateral relations,” Marcos said.
Peña’s trip marks the first presidential visit between the Philippines and Paraguay since diplomatic relations were established in 1962.
