“We have a lot of work ahead of us to make sure that we keep the momentum going in our bilateral relations,” the President emphasized.
With the two countries deepening their ties in trade and people-to-people exchange.
On Monday, May 11, Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace in Manila.
During which, Marcos expressed optimism over the growing partnership between the Philippines and Paraguay, citing the shared strategic role of both nations in their respective regions.
Paraguay currently holds the pro-temporary presidency of MERCOSUR (South Common Market), while the Philippines chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“I am actually very optimistic in that in our discussion earlier, what came out was a remarkable parallel in the way that our countries are developing ourselves and how we view our countries, the Philippines views itself as a gateway to Asia and Paraguay a gateway to Latin America,” said Marcos. “And that connection, should we make it and should we strengthen it, will be a remarkable boon not only to your country and mine, but also to the regions where we come from.”
The Philippine chief executive also described his bilateral talks with President Peña as “exciting” and focusing on long-term cooperation and added that a “great deal of work” is ahead of both nations.
For his part, President Peña reaffirmed Paraguay’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral relations as a strategic partnership.
He told that the MERCOSUR and the Philippines are looking to strengthen cooperation, which might lead to a broader engagement between MERCOSUR and ASEAN, particularly in trade, investment, and value chains.
He also welcomed the Philippines’ opening of its market to Paraguayan beef, pork, and poultry imports in August 2025.
Peña also stressed that this highlights his country’s capacity to supply one of Asia’s largest and most dynamic markets.
He also expressed optimism for expanded exports of animal protein, grains, maize, oil seeds, and other agro-industrial products to support the Philippines’ food security needs.
Peña likewise expressed confidence that the first presidential visit between the Philippines and Paraguay since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962 would pave the way for stronger cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
“President Marcos, I deeply want to share my sense of gratitude. I have the confidence that we both came to this first meeting with high expectations, but I’m leaving this great nation with even greater expectations about the future of our two nations and our people,” he said.
He continued, “As the only country in Asia with Latino roots, I have no doubt that the role that you can play as a leader of the region will be fundamental for bringing together two regions that share a lot in terms of expectations about the future.”
TREATY OF AMITY AND COOPERATION IN SEA
Peña Palacios also announced Paraguay’s intention to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, which promotes peaceful relations, mutual respect, and friendly cooperation among States in the region.
Established in 1976, the TAC has 58 High Contracting Parties as of October 2025.
“This decision reflects our firm determination to integrate into the regional dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in line with the principles of peace, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes that have historically guided Paraguay’s foreign policy,” said President Peña.
He has since conveyed to the Philippine government, in its capacity as Chair of Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) 2026, Paraguay’s intention to accede to the TAC.
The Paraguayan President also noted that its proposal is not a symbolic act, but a “strategic declaration,” which will position Paraguay as an party committed to stability and multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific.
TRADE AND DIPLOMATIC AGREEMENTS
Meanwhile, the state visit also led to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding on trade and diplomatic training, as well as a visa waiver arrangement between the Philippines and Paraguay.
“President Peña and I discussed the potential of increasing trade and investments between our two nations, starting with generating awareness and interest among businesses of both sides, with the longer-term objective of identifying and enabling economic and commercial opportunities,” President Marcos said.
He underscored the potential for Philippine exports of tuna, sardines, and milkfish products to Paraguay, emphasizing that these prospects could further strengthen local industries and expand market opportunities for Filipino producers.
Hence, institutional and commercial linkages through the signing of an MOU between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Paraguay’s Investment and Export Network (REDIEX) were forged.
Meanwhile, to complement these economic initiatives, a Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of ordinary passports of the Philippines and Paraguay, which is expected to facilitate business, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, was also inked.
Both leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Mutual Cooperation in the Field of Diplomatic Training between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
MARCOS, CONFIDENT THAT PH, PARAGUAY WILL ADVANCE COOPERATION
Marcos Jr., meanwhile, expressed confidence that the Philippines and Paraguay will advance closer cooperation following his meeting with Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios at Malacañang.
“With the productive conclusion of our bilateral meeting earlier today, I am confident that our two countries will forge closer cooperation in several areas, such as in agriculture, trade, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said at the toast ceremonies.
“In the same vein, I look forward to enhancing cooperation in regional and multilateral fronts, such as in the United Nations,” he added.
President Marcos also sent his best wishes to the Paraguay government and all Paraguayans on the celebration of their 215th Independence Day on behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people.
President Peña arrived in the Philippines on Sunday for a two-day visit, making it the first presidential visit between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in December 1962.
President Marcos expressed hope that President Peña’s visit is “only the beginning of the deepening friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Paraguay.”
“I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to President Peña and the Paraguayan delegation for this historic and productive visit,” he added.