Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano Outlines Focus on Strengthening Paraguay's Global Position and Supporting Nationals
Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano recently unveiled the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry's key objectives in an interview with 'La Nación/Nación Media.' The primary goals include enhancing Paraguay's global standing, strategic collaboration with key allies, supporting Paraguayan citizens residing abroad, and fostering political and commercial ties.
"The top priority of President Santiago Peña's administration is to strengthen Paraguay's global position," stated Minister Lezcano. "To this end, we are focusing on reinforcing our overseas missions, with an emphasis on market diversification." He further added, "Cooperation with key allies is crucial, and skilled diplomats, along with political appointees, will support bilateral and multilateral relations."
Key Objectives: Building National Brand, Attracting Investment, Diversifying Markets
A central agenda of the Foreign Ministry is to build the national brand, attract investment, and diversify markets. Minister Lezcano mentioned, "We are reorganizing our missions in various countries and plan to refresh our delegations with upcoming ambassadorial replacements."
Strengthening Overseas Embassies and Consulates
Consulates, which handle the issuance of official documents and protect the rights of Paraguayans living abroad, are also a significant priority. Minister Lezcano emphasized the importance of diplomatic relations with countries like Argentina, Spain, the United States, and Brazil, where many Paraguayans reside.
He explained, "In Brazil, we have reinforced key consulates, including Brasília for direct government relations, as well as those in São Paulo and border regions. The same applies to Argentina, Spain, and the United States." He also noted, "We have expanded consulates in larger countries and are seeking reciprocity, considering the budget reductions from the abolition of consular commercial tariffs."
Supporting Paraguayan Citizens Abroad
The Foreign Ministry is collaborating with overseas missions to support Paraguayan citizens abroad, working with all Paraguayan government agencies and relevant domestic institutions. In particular, the National Secretariat for the Repatriation of Paraguayans and Refugee Development has been integrated into the Foreign Ministry, which will work with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to provide necessary support.
Minister Lezcano stated, "Supporting Paraguayan citizens abroad is a national priority. We have strengthened support by deploying diplomatic and consular delegations to countries and cities with large Paraguayan immigrant populations, such as the United States, Spain, and Argentina."
Future Plans: Relations with the U.S., Regional and Global Trade, Itaipu Negotiations, Waterway Issues
In future interviews with 'La Nación,' Minister Lezcano plans to discuss various diplomatic, political, and commercial relations, including the outlook for relations with the new U.S. administration under Donald Trump, regional and global trade relations, the historic Itaipu negotiations between Paraguay and Brazil, and solutions for waterway issues affecting national production and export routes.
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