Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) during a meeting on December 15, 2025. The agreement provides a framework for the presence and activities of U.S. military and Department of War civilian personnel in Paraguay.
According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, "The historic agreement establishes a clear framework for the presence and activities of U.S. military and Department of War civilian personnel in Paraguay, facilitating bilateral and multinational training, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and other shared security interests. Secretary Rubio emphasized that the SOFA reflects the United States’ commitment to coordinate closely with Paraguay on regional security and Paraguay’s growing importance as a regional leader and champion for security in our Hemisphere. The agreement strengthens a longstanding partnership and supports our shared priorities. Both officials expressed confidence that the agreement will strengthen both countries’ sovereignty and enhance our cooperation for greater stability and prosperity in the region."
The SOFA is expected to support joint training exercises, improve coordination on disaster response efforts, and further shared security goals between the two nations.
