INTERVIEW/Paraguayan president affirms ties with Taiwan, talks with Honduran leader

Taipei, May 7 (CNA) Visiting Paraguayan President Santiago Peña on Thursday reaffirmed his country's diplomatic ties with Taiwan, saying he recently met with his Honduran counterpart in the United States before arriving in Taipei and shared Paraguay's positive experience of maintaining relations with Taipei.

Peña arrived in Taiwan on Thursday morning for his first official state visit to the country and his fourth trip overall. Paraguay is the last country in South America and one of 12 countries worldwide to recognize Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China (ROC).

Before arriving in Taiwan, Peña made a transit stop in Los Angeles to attend an international conference. On the sidelines of the event, he met with several leaders, including Honduran President Nasry Asfura, according to a post on X early Thursday.

Asked what he discussed with Asfura and whether Taiwan was among the topics, the Paraguayan leader said he told his Honduran counterpart "what a great relationship Paraguay has with Taiwan."

He said he also told Asfura that he was traveling to Taiwan to strengthen bilateral relations and renew Paraguay's commitment to the partnership.

"I strongly encourage him to look at what is happening in Paraguay with economic diversification, growth, development and the partnership that we have."

While Peña said they did not directly discuss whether Honduras would re-establish ties with Taiwan, he added that he has repeatedly and openly supported Taiwan in international forums.

"He knows very well that we are not only an ally, but a strong advocate."

Asfura, who took office in January, pledged during his campaign to restore ties with Taipei. Honduras severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2023 under former President Xiomara Castro in favor of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Taiwan's government has said it is open to restoring ties with Honduras, though the two sides have yet to officially engage in talks on the matter.

During Thursday's interview, when asked why Paraguay has remained the only country in South America to recognize the ROC rather than the PRC, Peña told CNA that both countries were built "through the drive and perseverance of their respective people" and share the values of "self-determination, freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Peña said many people believe Paraguay is a strong ally of Taiwan only because of the United States.

"And I have explained it to our good friends in the U.S. that even if the U.S. doesn't support Taiwan, Paraguay will continue to support Taiwan."

He added that Paraguay admires Taiwan's economic achievements and hopes to replicate Taiwan's development model and advances in the high-tech sector.

"Paraguay and Taiwan have been friends for many, many decades. And there is no doubt that this friendship has become stronger than ever. So I have no doubt that this friendship will continue to grow in the coming years."