Asunción, Agencia IP.- The agreement signed by Paraguay and the United States regarding the status of military forces and civilian contractors represents a fundamental alliance to address threats to national security.
Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez and Defense Minister Óscar González presented details of the agreement at a press conference following a meeting with President Santiago Peña at Mburuvicha Róga.
The document, signed by Minister Ramírez and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). This type of agreement establishes the legal status, rights, and privileges of U.S. military personnel, security officials, and contractors operating in Paraguay.
According to the Foreign Minister, the agreement guarantees diplomatic immunity for military and civilian personnel involved in jointly agreed operations.
Authorities emphasized that U.S. military personnel present in Paraguay will not participate directly in operations but will instead provide training and capacity-building.
«In all decisions taken within the framework of this agreement, Paraguay’s sovereignty and the authority of the Paraguayan State over these actions will be fully safeguarded,» Defense Minister Óscar González stated.
Strengthening cooperation
Existing defense cooperation initiatives will be reinforced, including cooperation with the National Navy, which will receive six light vessels, bringing the total to 7 already provided through U.S. cooperation. The agreement also includes continued training with the Joint Special Forces Battalion, as well as projects related to cybersecurity and cyber defense.
«All actions arising from this agreement are designed to strengthen citizen security. As the National Defense, we are very satisfied with this agreement. No country can face terrorism and organized crime alone,» the Minister concluded.
Strategic alliance
The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Robert Alter, stated that the agreement reflects his government’s vision, noting that «Paraguay is one of the most important allies for the United States in the world.» He added, «This agreement represents another important step in building a strategic alliance.»