Jerusalem – Horacio Cartes, the former President of Paraguay and current leader of the ruling Colorado Party, began his schedule in Israel on the 25th (local time), where he is expected to discuss the prevention of terrorism and issues related to anti-Semitism. This marks former President Cartes' first overseas visit in six years.

Cartes began his official itinerary by paying a courtesy call to Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Israeli Knesset (parliament), accompanied by Congressman Raúl Latorre and others. Congressman Latorre announced the meeting with Speaker Ohana through social media, stating, "We visited the Israeli Knesset and met with our valued friend, Speaker Amir Ohana."

According to Congressman Latorre, the discussions focused on the "deep bond" between Paraguay and Israel and "strategies to strengthen cooperation and trade between the peoples of both nations."

Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had invited former President Cartes to attend a conference related to the prevention of terrorism and anti-Semitism.

The delegation accompanying Cartes on this visit includes Senator Antonio Barrios, Senator Gustavo Leite, and Minister Juan Carlos Baruja, among others.

Former President Cartes' last overseas trip was before Brazilian judicial authorities issued an arrest warrant in 2019 on charges of bribery and money laundering. Although the warrant was later withdrawn, his lawyers had advised him to refrain from leaving the country.

It is worth noting that the U.S. government designated former President Cartes as a "significantly corrupt individual" in 2022, citing his involvement in "significant corruption" and "links to terrorist organizations."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]