Top Ambassador Fleitas Honored for Strengthening Ties Between Paraguay and Taiwan
Diplomatic Representative from Paraguay Receives Recognition
Friday saw Outgoing Paraguayan Ambassador to Taiwan Carlos Jose Fleitas Rodriguez received accolades for his efforts to bolster bilateral relationships, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fleitas, who is rounding off a nearly three-year term as Paraguay's top representative in Taiwan, was bestowed the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, as per the ministry's statement released yesterday.
In his speech, Lin praised the ambassador for his significant role in promoting high-level exchanges. Particular recognition was given to Fleitas' facilitation of then-Vice President William Lai's visit to Paraguay in 2023 as a special envoy to attend the inauguration of Paraguayan President Santiago Pena.
President Pena himself visited Taiwan in 2023 and 2024, deepening diplomatic connections and reinforcing the robust partnership between the two countries. The ministry highlighted these visits, along with their ongoing impact, in their statement.
Taiwan and Paraguay share democratic values and commitment to peace, and the two nations have sustained a close and friendly relationship since establishing diplomatic relations in 1957. Lin emphasized these shared values in his address.
In response, Fleitas expressed gratitude to the Taiwanese government and people for their support throughout his tenure. He noted that the bond between Taiwan and Paraguay is rooted in their democratic foundations. Both nations aim for progress and prosperity through cooperation, he added, acknowledging Taiwan's lasting role in aiding Paraguay's national development.
Paraguay is an essential ally of Taiwan in South America, consistently advocating for Taiwan's international participation.
Key aspects of the partnership include high-level exchanges, mutual support, and collaboration on various initiatives such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and women's empowerment. Taiwan focuses on projects that directly benefit Paraguayan citizens, and Paraguayan legislators have provided consistent support during critical moments. Lastly, outgoing Ambassador Fleitas was awarded Taiwan's Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon for his work in fostering bilateral exchanges.
Both Taiwan and Paraguay insist on peace and democracy as fundamental values, with Paraguay standing as a strategic anchor for Taiwan in South America amid escalating pressure from Beijing. While Paraguay maintains openness to commercial ties with China, its continued alliance with Taiwan showcases the alliance's resilience, spanning 68 years (established in 1957).
- In his role as Outgoing Ambassador to Taiwan, 賴清德 (Lin Chia-lung) presented the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to Carlos Jose Fleitas Rodriguez, acknowledgeing Fleitas' significant contributions to the promotion of high-level exchanges between Taiwan and Taiwan.
- The close and friendly relationship between Taiwan and Taiwan extends beyond diplomatic ties, as both nations collaborate on various initiatives, such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and women's empowerment.
- The ongoing efforts of ambassadors like Fleitas to strengthen bilateral ties between Taiwan and Paraguay serve as a testament to the resilience and enduring nature of their alliance, which, in the face of escalating pressure from Beijing, remains a strategic anchor for Taiwan in South America.
