A significant agreement between the United States and Paraguay was formalized on Monday, establishing a framework for the presence of U.S. military and civilian personnel in Paraguay. This historic Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) was signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano during the latter’s official visit to Washington. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in addressing transnational crime and drug trafficking, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to shared security interests.
The SOFA facilitates bilateral and multinational military training, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and broader security initiatives. Secretary Rubio remarked that the agreement “opens new doors for our collective efforts to advance security and stability in our hemisphere,” highlighting Paraguay’s growing importance as a regional leader.
The U.S. State Department’s statement emphasized the agreement as a reflection of the United States’ commitment to closely coordinate with Paraguay on regional security. Both officials at the signing expressed confidence that the agreement would bolster each country’s sovereignty while enhancing cooperation for greater stability and prosperity in the region.
In his remarks, Rubio praised Paraguay as one of America’s strongest allies, noting a desire to expand collaboration beyond security, particularly in economic areas. He stated, “There’s a lot of good things, positive things happening in Paraguay, a tremendous potential to make Paraguay a richer country.” He underscored the importance of working together to confront the serious challenges posed by transnational terrorist organizations, which he described as a significant threat to regional stability.
The agreement allows for the formalization of the existing partnership between the two countries. It authorizes the training of security personnel, expedites the transfer of security equipment, and facilitates real-time intelligence sharing. Rubio emphasized the need for strong regional partners to tackle these challenges, asserting that the collaboration would respect the sovereignty of involved nations.
Minister Ramírez Lezcano reiterated Paraguay’s commitment to fighting terrorism and transnational criminal organizations, stating, “We are very committed to freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.” He emphasized that enhanced cooperation on security will enable Paraguay to build stronger capacities within its security forces, ultimately contributing to the well-being and freedom of its citizens.
The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry disclosed that discussions during the meeting included the provision of radars to enhance national airspace security. The officials also reviewed a Safe Third Country Agreement, which aims to address immigration challenges in the region.
The signing of this agreement marks a pivotal development in U.S.-Paraguayan relations, reflecting a mutual commitment to address security concerns and foster cooperation that benefits both nations. As both countries prepare to work closely together in the coming months and years, the focus remains on building a safer and more prosperous future for Paraguay and the wider region.
