Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation in an event held on Aug. 4. The agreement aims to further strengthen the relationship between the United States and Paraguay, building on existing ties.
Before the signing, Rubio said, “I think this is just another step in the continued growth of our relationship between our two countries. I think this MOU reflects that continued cooperation.” He emphasized that such agreements help institutionalize deep ties so they can endure beyond changes in government or administration. Rubio added, “What we have seen in the past year and a half has been incredible. The relationship between both countries has grown on a historic scale, and today’s agreement is simply evidence of that.”
Lezcano described the alliance as strategic for both nations, highlighting ongoing collaboration in security, trade, investment, and shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and rule of law. “We are working not only at the level of bilateral cooperation and security… but also globally,” Lezcano said.
After signing the memorandum with applause from attendees, Secretary Rubio responded to questions about Venezuela’s political transition process following Maduro’s removal six months prior. He said progress toward elections was ongoing but required patience: “It’s going to require some persistence and a little bit of patience – not years, but certainly months and weeks.” Rubio referenced historical transitions like those in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain or Paraguay’s own move from authoritarianism to democracy.
Rubio also addressed negotiations involving Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He said there were immediate talks focused on keeping shipping lanes open through regional straits while longer-term discussions aimed at denuclearization continued: “Suffice it to say there’s been progress made in those talks but not finality yet.”