Separated by nearly 19,000 kilometers and two oceans, the Philippines and Paraguay sought to turn geographic distance into a strategic opportunity on Monday, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña moved to deepen political, economic, and regional ties.
Inside the Malacañang Palace, the two leaders spoke not only of bilateral trade and investment but of connecting Southeast Asia and South America—two regions increasingly looking beyond their traditional partners.
The visit marks the first time a Paraguayan leader has stepped foot in the Philippines in an official capacity.
“Since the Philippines and Paraguay established diplomatic relations 63 years ago, this is the first presidential visit ever made by either leader of our two countries,” Marcos said during a joint press statement. “And since Paraguay has taken the first step, I think it is important that the Philippines soon return the favor.”
The meeting comes at a significant geopolitical juncture. The Philippines currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while Paraguay holds the rotating presidency of Mercosur, the South American trade bloc.
President Peña highlighted that his country views the Philippines as a vital “gateway to Southeast Asia.”
“At the multilateral level, I am pleased to announce that Paraguay has formally conveyed to the government of the Philippines, in its capacity as chair of ASEAN, its intention to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia,” Peña announced.
Describing the move as “not a symbolic act” but a “strategic declaration,” Peña underscored Paraguay’s commitment to stability and multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific.
During the visit, the two nations also signed agreements on diplomatic training and a reciprocal visa-free deal for ordinary passport holders to boost tourism and business exchanges.