Asunción, Agencia IP.- In his first message to the Diplomatic Corps, the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, stated that his Government’s objective is to maintain active international relations, which is why he will continue to be a spokesperson for peace and dialogue in all parts of the world.
Peña received the greeting of the Diplomatic Corps and the Representatives of International Organizations accredited to the National Government on the occasion of the end-of-the-year festivities in a ceremony held yesterday at the López Palace.
A few days after completing four months in Government, he highlighted that one of his priorities is maintaining active international relations within Paraguay’s vision of connecting our country with the world.
He mentioned that international relations are crucial to promoting the economic and social development of the country, which is why, he said, they have embarked on several highly relevant missions in the search for synergy opportunities between sister nations and projects that aim to improve the quality of life of all Paraguayans.
He admitted that there is a critical gap between reality and the world’s perception of Paraguay’s potential, which has a reserve of fresh water, clean energy, and a very high capacity for food production, but mainly its people, whom he described as one of the most critical assets. «Our plans begin and end with our people,» he alleged.
«In recent years, we have made sustained progress in poverty reduction and macroeconomic stability, which has earned us the recognition regarding our governance and the stability that Paraguay has shown,» he indicated.
Long-term view and consensus-building
In that same sense, he said that all of the above is only possible through a long-term view and with the construction of consensus that results in the sustainability of government programs and that, in turn, become state policies.
He also recognized the need to continue working so the world recognizes these strengths and advances. For this purpose, he pointed out that it is a job that requires patience, dedication, and, above all, consistency.
To this end, his Government took on the challenge of positioning Paraguay in the highest international forums so that the world knew what Paraguay was and what the milestones were regarding democratic institutions.
We are working to attract productive and quality investments, increase trade exchanges, and learn best practices in public policies while working for greater regional integration and peaceful coexistence at the multilateral level.
He also said that Paraguay is a country that advocates peace, a good understanding of nations, solidarity, and cooperation, and respects the cultures of each country.
Democracy offers the best form of Government
«We are convinced that democracy, despite its limitations and imperfections, offers the best form of Government, the best combination of rights and freedoms that facilitates individual and community development. We consider that sovereignty and respect for the self-determination of peoples, as well as non-intervention in internal affairs, are non-negotiable values in international relations,» he explained.
He also mentioned that Paraguay values international cooperation, recognizing the contribution that many countries make to the objectives pursued by the Government. «In these relationships between your countries and mine, I want to highlight the character of the Paraguayan people, hospitable, helpful, and supportive people who are also proud of their traditions and culture,» he added.
He declared that his Government would continue to be a spokesperson for peace and dialogue in all parts of the world, which is currently experiencing complicated times, conflicts in different regions of the world, and conflicts that are approaching the area, «which are reasons for an enormous concern and for which we are fighting so that peace continues to reign on our continent,» he pointed out.
Government priorities
At the national level, he announced that they will continue to redouble efforts to improve access to health, education, and security. He cited that the priorities are eradicating poverty, caring for the environment, and protecting the most vulnerable.
«I ask all of us to continue cooperating for a better world, for a more prosperous and equitable Paraguay from the delicate task of diplomacy, dialogue and understanding, tolerance and mutual respect,» he expressed.
«I hope that 2024 finds us much more united, that we continue to contribute to the culture of encounter, reconciliation, and unity among all the world’s peoples,» he finally expressed.