May 11, 2026
MANILA – Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña arrived in Manila on Sunday for a three-day official visit, marking the first presidential visit between the two countries despite more than 60 years of diplomatic relations.
Peña’s China Airlines flight (CI 703) from Taipei touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at 3:36 p.m. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed Paraguay’s leader.
His official visit was at the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The two leaders are expected to hold a bilateral meeting to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation and mutual development across a range of sectors, including trade, investment, and agriculture.
Peña is set to begin his official activities on Monday by laying a wreath at the monument of national hero Jose Rizal at Rizal Park before being accorded official honors in Malacañang.
The two presidents will hold a bilateral meeting and sign agreements in Malacañang.
According to Malacañang, Paraguay is an emerging partner of the Philippines in Latin America, where both countries share common values rooted in democracy, the rule of law, and a commitment to international cooperation.
It also said Peña’s official visit was part of the Philippines’ continued efforts “to broaden its engagement with Latin American partners and diversify its economic partnerships.”
According to Peña, the Philippines represents an “interesting market that Paraguay wants to strengthen ties with” in Asia.
“Paraguay is paying close attention to Asia; we believe there is enormous potential. The completion of the Bi-Oceanic Corridor will make the Asian market even more important, not only for Paraguay but for the entire continent,” he said, as quoted by its state information agency.
The Capricorn Bi-oceanic Corridor is an infrastructure initiative connecting Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile, designed to enhance regional integration, boost trade efficiency, and provide a transport link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Peña’s visit to the Philippines from May 10 to May 12 follows his official visit to Taiwan from May 6 to May 10.
The Philippines and Paraguay established formal diplomatic relations on December 12, 1962.
Despite decades of diplomatic ties, Manila does not have a full embassy in Paraguay. Instead, the Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, holds jurisdiction over Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay.
The Philippines maintains a Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Paraguay’s capital, Asunción. /mcm