ASUNCIÓN, PARAGUAY – The Embassy of Israel in Paraguay grandly celebrated Yom Ha'atzmaut, its 77th Independence Day, at an official ceremony held at the Central Bank Theater. The event repeatedly highlighted the "robust and exemplary relationship" maintained by both nations, expressing profound gratitude for Paraguay's support for Israel, especially amid the recently intensified Middle East situation.
Israeli President Herzog: "Paraguay is a Brave and Cherished Ally"
In a video message from Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized, "For nearly 80 years, Paraguay has been a brave and cherished ally and friend of Israel." He stressed that the relationship between the two countries has continued to deepen in numerous fields, including security, innovation, health, education, and agriculture. He expressed deep appreciation for Paraguay's steadfast support, particularly in the current Middle East context.
President Herzog remarked, "At a time when many are trying to justify evil, Paraguay has stood strongly on the side of justice and humanity." He added, "We were deeply moved by Paraguay's courageous gesture of friendship in the midst of a brutal conflict to make the historic decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem." In 2018, former Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez announced that Paraguay would be the second Latin American country, after the United States, to move its embassy to Jerusalem. Although it was later moved back to Tel Aviv due to political changes, the relationship between the two countries further solidified in 2023 when current President Santiago Peña again pledged to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem.
Israeli Ambassador Amit Mekel Emphasizes "True Sister Nations"
In his commemorative speech, Amit Mekel, the Israeli Ambassador to Paraguay, emphasized, "I don't think it's a coincidence that Paraguay and Israel share such close independence days. It's another testament to the deep ties and history that bind our two nations as true sister nations." He added, "Today, 77 years later, we celebrate a relationship that is not only robust but exemplary."
Ambassador Mekel also stressed Paraguay's firm stand with Israel, stating that this historical support is respected and reflects not just a diplomatic stance but a firm fraternal bond. He unequivocally stated, "Israel is here to support Paraguay."
Paraguayan Vice President Pedro Alliana: "Designation of Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a Terrorist Organization"
Pedro Alliana, the Vice President of Paraguay, reaffirmed Paraguay's commitment to the bilateral relationship. He stated, "Paraguay recognizes that the threats Israel faces transcend borders," and added, "Therefore, we have taken a firm stance in declaring the Islamic Revolutionary Guard of Iran as a terrorist organization."
The Paraguayan government made the decision to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization in October 2023, during the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This was an unusual measure for a Latin American country and was interpreted as a firm expression of support for Israel at the time. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard is known to support various terrorist organizations in the Middle East, and Paraguay's decision is seen not merely as diplomatic but as a strong demonstration of Paraguay's commitment to regional security.
Vice President Alliana emphasized, "This was a decision based on principles, a decision to honor history, to assert reality, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with a friend." He added, "In pain, in steadfastness, in memory and hope, in determination and faith, we stand together, we build together, and we believe in the promise of peace," underscoring the strong bond between the two nations.
Historical Background and Importance of Israel-Paraguay Relations
Israel and Paraguay have a long history of diplomatic relations, established shortly after Israel's founding in 1948. Paraguay was one of the first Latin American countries to recognize Israel and has maintained close ties. This relationship has primarily developed through mutual trade, agricultural technology exchange, and security cooperation.
Agriculture is one of the key areas of bilateral cooperation. Israel is a global leader in agricultural technology and irrigation systems in arid climates, while Paraguay possesses vast agricultural resources. Israel has contributed to enhancing Paraguay's agricultural productivity by transferring modern agricultural technologies and know-how. This has played an important role in Paraguay's economic development and strengthened the cooperative ties between the two countries.
In the security sector, the two countries have also strengthened cooperation. Paraguay has consistently faced issues of terror financing and organized crime in the border region with Brazil and Argentina, known as the 'Triple Frontier.' Israel has contributed to strengthening Paraguay's security capabilities through intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism training support for these issues. Paraguay's designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization can be understood as an extension of this security cooperation.
The issue of the Jerusalem embassy relocation is a symbolic example of the unique nature of the bilateral relationship. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocating embassies is a sensitive diplomatic issue internationally, but Paraguay has shown support for Israel's position on this matter. This indicates that Paraguay places deep historical ties and strategic importance on Israel.
Israel's Diplomatic Standing in Latin America
Israel has traditionally maintained friendly relations in the Latin American region. Especially with major countries like Brazil and Colombia, there has been active exchange in agriculture, defense industries, and technology. The relationship with Paraguay plays a significant role in this Latin American diplomatic strategy.
However, with recent changes in the Middle East situation, some Latin American countries have shown signs of cooling relations with Israel as pro-Palestinian sentiment has grown. In this context, Paraguay's firm expression of support for Israel, and particularly its designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, is interpreted as a very significant diplomatic achievement for Israel. This can be seen as part of Israel's efforts to strengthen its diplomatic standing in Latin America and avoid international isolation.
Israel is currently facing international criticism due to the conflict with Palestine, making the support of friendly nations like Paraguay extremely important. This helps Israel assert its legitimacy to the international community and solidify its diplomatic support base.
Future Prospects for Bilateral Relations
Israel and Paraguay reaffirmed the robustness of their relationship at the 77th Independence Day celebration. In particular, Paraguay's consistent support during the sensitive period of the Israel-Hamas conflict is expected to further deepen bilateral ties.
Existing cooperation in agriculture, security, and technology will be strengthened, and opportunities for cooperation in new areas may also be explored. Furthermore, discussions about Paraguay's re-relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem are expected to further highlight the symbolic significance of the bilateral relationship.
However, external factors such as uncertainty in the Middle East and fluctuations in international oil prices that could affect bilateral relations should also be monitored. Nevertheless, judging by the messages conveyed by high-ranking officials from both countries at this independence celebration, the "exemplary relationship" between Israel and Paraguay is expected to continue.
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