Taiwan's foreign minister begins Paraguay visit

Taipei, July 11 (CNA) Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) arrived in Paraguay late Thursday to lead a business delegation focused on advancing bilateral cooperation in technology, industry and infrastructure.

During the visit, Lin will tour several Taiwan-sponsored projects in the South American country, including the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park and the Polytechnic University of Taiwan-Paraguay, according to Taiwan's Foreign Ministry.

He will also inspect the first batch of Taiwan-donated e-buses, and the Health Information Management Efficiency Enhancement Project, the ministry said.

In a Facebook post, Lin emphasized that although Paraguay is geographically distant from Taiwan, the two countries are close partners in shared values and cooperation.

He added that the visit highlights Taiwan's commitment to advancing Paraguay's industrial modernization and sustainable development through technological collaboration.

The delegation includes representatives from Taiwan's semiconductor, ICT, smart transportation, agri-tech, construction and advanced textile sectors.

Paraguay is the only nation in South America and one of only 12 countries worldwide that formally recognize the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name. The two sides formed diplomatic relations in 1957.