Asunción, Agencia IP.- The President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, expressed his «fervent wish» for the conclusion of the free trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, which he described as more than just an economic-commercial alliance, but also a message to those who seek to «silence the clarinets of peace.»
He made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the Paraguay–Spain Business Forum, held on Wednesday at the Cultural Center of the Port of Asunción, on the occasion of the visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
On that occasion, Peña voiced his «eagerness» and, above all, his «fervent wish» that the free trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union can be finalized soon.
«This agreement is much more than a commercial accord, much more than economic exchange—it is an opportunity to send a message in a polarized, divided world, where the drums of war—whether through bullets or tariffs—seem to want to silence the clarinets of peace, of those of us who long for peace and greater integration,» the president stated.
He expressed firm conviction that collaboration is the only viable path for nations to ensure a better future.
«A historic day for Paraguay»
«Today is a historic day for Paraguay; after 26 years, we once again receive a visit from a president of the Government of Spain,« he said during another part of his address.
In that context, he recalled that Paraguay was born from the encounter of two civilizations: the Guaraní peoples who originally inhabited this part of the continent, and the arrival of the Spanish in 1537, nearly 500 years ago. «It was right here in the Bay of Asunción that these two civilizations met,« he emphasized.
At another point, he noted that Paraguay is today investing in and equipping itself to confront organized crime and other scourges operating in the Tri-Border Area.
«Paraguay was known in the past as a transit country for drugs bound for Europe. We are proud to say that over the past nearly 24 months, no shipment arriving in Europe has come through Paraguay. This is the result of major efforts in defense and security, in coordinated collaboration with other countries and agencies,« he explained.
He also noted that his government is committed to opening new markets, attracting investment, and implementing a concrete plan to double the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the next 10 years.
«Paraguay is growing, and it’s doing so in a broad way. The agricultural and livestock sectors, which are very important, continue to drive the economy—but they are no longer alone. Other sectors have joined in, including industry, manufacturing, and services. Despite all our progress, we are still far from reaching Paraguay’s true potential,« he affirmed.
«Rediscover Paraguay»
The President asked Spain and its businesspeople to rediscover Paraguay, as they did nearly 500 years ago. It is, he said, a nation determined to reclaim its place in the world.
«A giant that wants to rise again from its people, because beyond Paraguay’s vast riches in land and water, its greatest wealth is its people (…) men and women who are committed to building a much better country—not just for Paraguayans, but also for their neighbors and the region,« he stated.
Finally, he underscored that some seek to pigeonhole both him and Sánchez into ideological labels, fostering a world of division.
«That is a world without collaboration. I believe both you (Sánchez) and I believe in a world of respect, tolerance, of defending our convictions with strength, but without being asked to refrain from working together in areas where we share great common ground,« he concluded.