On March 4, 2024, the United States and Paraguay formalized a significant military partnership by signing a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in Washington. The agreement allows for the presence of U.S. military and Department of Defense civilian personnel in Paraguay, aiming to bolster cooperation against transnational crime and drug trafficking.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano executed the agreement during an official visit by the Paraguayan diplomat. This accord establishes a framework for various collaborative efforts, including bilateral and multinational training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, which are vital for addressing shared security interests.
At the signing ceremony, Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of the agreement in enhancing security and stability throughout the region. He stated, “This agreement opens new doors for our collective efforts to advance security and stability in our hemisphere.” The State Department noted that the SOFA reflects the commitment of the United States to work closely with Paraguay, recognizing its growing role as a leader in regional security.
Rubio described Paraguay as one of America’s most reliable allies, highlighting a desire to expand cooperation beyond security matters to include economic collaboration. He pointed out the potential for positive developments in Paraguay, suggesting that partnership with U.S. interests could significantly enhance economic growth in the country.
In his remarks, Rubio identified transnational terrorism as a pressing threat within the hemisphere, encompassing not only ideological terrorism but also economic and financial instability. He stated, “We need strong partners in the region that understand that that’s the biggest threat in our hemisphere and are committed to working with us to confront it.”
The agreement allows for the formalization of existing partnerships between the two nations, enabling them to expedite the transfer of security equipment, share intelligence in real time, and coordinate operations in response to contingencies.
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ramírez Lezcano reiterated his country’s commitment to combating terrorism and transnational crime. He highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between the United States and Paraguay, which span over 160 years. “This is an agreement that will strengthen our relation not only on security,” he remarked, adding that it will enhance the capabilities of Paraguay’s security forces and foster closer cooperation on developmental strategies.
The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry also provided details on discussions that took place during the visit, including the delivery of radar systems for national airspace surveillance and the review of the Safe Third Country Agreement. These initiatives underline the focus on enhancing regional security and addressing challenges posed by criminal organizations.
As both nations move forward with this agreement, the emphasis remains on building a partnership that not only addresses immediate security concerns but also paves the way for long-term stability and prosperity in the region. The collaboration marks a new chapter in U.S.-Paraguayan relations, with both leaders expressing optimism for the future of their partnership.
