Asunción, Agencia IP.- The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, Robert Alter, announced that U.S. Southern Command has planned an investment of approximately US$11 million over the next five years to strengthen the capabilities of Paraguay’s special forces and contribute to the shared fight against criminal and terrorist organizations.
During the opening of the intensive training, led by the 7th Special Forces Group, this Friday at the headquarters of the Paraguayan Army, Alter explained that the planned investment will be implemented primarily through training and equipment donations.
«A central pillar of this initiative is the intensive training exercises led by the United States’ 7th Special Forces Group. This ongoing, joint training will strengthen interoperability between our forces and ensure they are prepared to face the most complex challenges of the 21st century,» he said.
He also mentioned a more «tangible support» already provided months ago through the donation of essential equipment for Paraguay’s special forces, including 50 rifles, 100 pistols, and 100 night-vision devices.
«This investment of more than US$700,000 will give Paraguay’s elite soldiers a crucial technological advantage in their work to ensure the security of this beautiful country,» the Chargé d’Affaires stated.
Alter reaffirmed the words of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had said that Paraguay is one of the United States’ most important allies, not only in Latin America but worldwide.
In this regard, he highlighted that the SOFA agreement signed last month provides the legal framework for the forces of both countries to work together more smoothly and effectively.
«It will pave the way for greater cooperation and for jointly addressing the security challenges we share. In this way, we will strengthen the sovereignty of both our countries,» he said.
«This is part of a shared vision of both governments»
For his part, President of the Republic Santiago Peña stressed that this is «not just another collaboration,» but rather «part of a vision shared by both governments.»
«As never before, our security agendas are now fully aligned. And building on a history of good relations and coordinated work, today we dare to take that relationship to a place we had never even imagined. Today’s event is yet another example of the coordinated work we are doing, where two friendly countries, two allied nations, come together around a common goal: hemispheric defense and security,» the President said.