[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 89 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E495-E496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT-ELECT SANTIAGO PENA PALACIOS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2023

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the American people extend 
congratulations to the Honorable Santiago Pena Palacios on being 
elected to the Presidency of Paraguay on May 2nd. His success as a 
former member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Paraguay 
and former Minister of Finance of Paraguay demonstrates his ability to 
be a great leader. I am grateful for his dedicated work on anti-
corruption, equal application of law, and advancing security, and 
economic growth for the benefit of both our countries creating jobs.
  The United States established diplomatic relations with Paraguay in 
1861, 50 years after Paraguay declared independence from Spain. The 
longstanding relationship of our nations is characterized by 
cooperation, shared interests, and a strong bilateral trade 
relationship. The history of Paraguay as an independent nation has been 
marked by political upheavals, but in 1989, it underwent a transition 
to civilian leadership and democratic elections, which the United 
States supported.

[[Page E496]]

  Paraguay has been a valued ally in addressing regional challenges, 
such as the crisis in Venezuela, counternarcotics efforts, intellectual 
property rights protection, and combating illicit activities such as 
money laundering and human trafficking. Paraguayan commitment to 
combating illegal activity in the tri-border area and participating in 
anti-terrorism training demonstrates its dedication to regional 
security. I am confident President-elect Palacios, upon assuming office 
on August 15th, will effectively lead Paraguay and carry forward the 
positive momentum achieved thus far.
  I am grateful for the commitment of the President-elect to continue 
to strengthen the historic ties between Paraguay and Taiwan, as 
diplomatic relations date back more than six decades.
  Amidst pressure from the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan continues to 
face adversities to keep their allies who acknowledge them as a 
sovereign nation. It is important that the United States and Paraguay 
remain devoted to our unwavering support of Taiwan. Paraguay stands 
with democracies promoting rule of law being opposed by authoritarians 
imposing rule of gun.
  Paraguay is well represented in the United States by dynamic 
Ambassador Jose Antonio Dos Santos.

                          ____________________