He is looking to strengthen the bilateral ties of the South American country with the Philippines.
At around 3:50 pm on Sunday, May 10, Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios arrived in Pasay City for a two-day State Visit.
The Paraguayan leader and his delegation landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 and were welcomed by Amb. Miguel Ángel Ubaldino Romero Álvarez, Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to the Philippines.
As part of his official engagements, Peña Palacios is scheduled to lead a wreath-laying ceremony at the Dr. José Rizal Monument in Luneta Park on Monday morning (May 11) to honor the Philippines’ national hero.
Later in the day, President Peña will proceed to Malacañang Palace for a bilateral meeting with his Filipino counterpart, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Peña Palacios will be accorded official honors at Malacañan Palace upon his arrival.
The two leaders are expected to discuss areas of cooperation, including trade, agriculture, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, and other avenues for mutual development.
President Peña Palacios is set to depart Manila following the meeting.
The visit of the Paraguayan leader marks a significant milestone in the strengthening of Philippines–Paraguay relations, as it will be the first presidential visit between the two countries.
The Philippines and Paraguay established formal diplomatic relations on December 12, 1962, with this visit also seen to be building upon decades of constructive engagement and high-level exchanges.
Paraguay is an emerging partner of the Philippines in Latin America, where both countries share common values rooted in democracy, the rule of law, and a commitment to international cooperation.
For the Philippines, this also broaden its engagement with Latin American partners and diversify its economic partnerships.
An economist by profession, Peña Palacios assumed office in August 2023, becoming one of Paraguay’s youngest leaders in recent history.