Commencing the congressional diplomatic itinerary for the last day of this visit (Nov 21), a delegation led by Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, visited Taiwan’s embassy in Paraguay, and engaged in exchanges with colleagues from the Technical Mission. This visit, which lasted four days and three nights, allowed the delegation to meet with more than 50 Senators and Chamber members, as well as over 20 overseas compatriots. Furthermore, the delegation was granted full diplomatic courtesies, including a police-escorted motorcade throughout the visit, and therefore was able to cover a denser itinerary within a limited time period.
In the afternoon, Vice President Chiang and the delegation proceeded to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet with a seven-member delegation comprising Minister Lezcano, Vice Minister for Economic Relations and Integration Patricia Frutos Ruíz, and relevant aides. Vice President Chiang expressed how honored he felt to visit the beautiful Paraguay. He reiterated that the cross-party delegation represented the most significant consensus in the Legislative Yuan in supporting Paraguay. All delegation members were visiting the country for the first time, but they very much felt at home. He thanked Paraguay for the hospitality and shared his thoughts on recent meetings. He expressed his intent to promote more cooperation projects and stated that Taiwan is more than willing to share its experience in education, healthcare, and industry, and would even engage in culture collaboration. These efforts would foster closer ties between the people of both countries and more steadfast bilateral relations.
Minister Lezcano expressed that Paraguay emphasizes the values of freedom, democracy, and rule of law, which are shared by Taiwan. He opined that supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations is beneficial for the health and welfare of all people. Furthermore, he stressed that Paraguay is blessed with natural resources, whereas Taiwan is strong in technologies. The two sides are highly complementary. Taiwan and Paraguay should pursue more than a cooperative relationship; Paraguay should become a model ally for steadfast commitment to Taiwan, contributing to regional security and global peace.
The two sides went on to exchange opinions on issues covering cooperative projects, direct flights, regional security, and economic and trade collaborations. The hour-long meeting concluded successfully after an exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo.
午間，江副院長設宴款待旅外的駐外人員及技術團，他特別感謝大使館大力協助洽排本次拜會行程，讓訪團得以順利與巴國政府、國會及機構充分討論雙邊關係。江副院長繼分享此行見聞，見證我駐巴拉圭大使館及技術團在各領域合作計劃之成果，涵蓋醫療、農業、蘭花、養魚、食品及成衣領域。
In the afternoon, Vice President Chiang hosted a luncheon for Taiwan’s diplomats and colleagues in the Technical Mission. In particular, he thanked the embassy for assisting in arranging the itinerary of the visit, which allowed the delegation to discuss bilateral relations with the Paraguayan government, parliament, and agencies extensively. Reflecting on his experience of the trip, he was delighted to witness the results of cooperative projects undertaken by the embassy and the Technical Mission, covering healthcare, agriculture, orchid farming, aquaculture, food products, and the apparel industry.
Stating that they are the “Pride of Taiwan,” he acknowledged the professionalism of the diplomatic corps in contributing to the country’s international presence. Thanking every diplomat wholeheartedly, he invited them to visit the Legislative Yuan when they return home. He also expressed his intent to support the diplomatic works promoted by the embassy and the Technical Mission. Finally, he gave his best wishes for good health and smooth sailing in their endeavors. The 90-minute luncheon drew to a successful close following heartwarming and cordial exchanges.
Afterwards, Vice President Chiang and the delegation proceeded to Mercado Municipal 4 to meet with overseas compatriots who ran local businesses in the region, getting to know their journey and the hardships they faced. During the visit, the delegation ran into a group of tourists from Argentina, and enthusiastically engaged with them.
Later on, the delegation headed to the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport for a flight to Dallas. Vice President Chiang thanked the head of the motorcade for escorting the delegation throughout the visit. This brought the four-day and three-night visit to Paraguay to a close officially, marking a new milestone for congressional diplomacy.
