Paraguay's Ambassador on US Ties, Housing Initiatives, and Countering China

Paraguay's Strategic Alignment with the US

• 🇺🇸 Paraguay seeks to be a true partner of the US, emphasizing shared values of freedom, democracy, and conservatism.
• 🤝 The country has a long tradition of loyalty to the US, tracing back to an arbitration by President Rutherford B. Hayes.
• 🌟 Paraguay views the US as a "bigger brother" and a beacon of democracy, aspiring to emulate successful nations like Taiwan and South Korea.

Housing Initiatives for Emigrants and Citizens

• 🏠 A key initiative aims to help Paraguayan emigrants in the US purchase homes in Paraguay through long-term installment plans, allowing them to pay while working abroad.
• 🏘️ The government is addressing a deficit of approximately one million homes, particularly for the working class, offering loans up to $90,000 at competitive interest rates.
• 📈 This program is designed to transition families from renting to homeownership at similar monthly costs, with early success in helping families secure their own homes.

Countering Chinese Influence and Maintaining Sovereignty

• 🇨🇳 Paraguay actively opposes Chinese influence, prioritizing its long-standing friendship with Taiwan over deals offered by communist China.
• 🚫 The country has refused Chinese 5G technology, viewing it as a potential tool for military intelligence and a loss of sovereignty.
• 📉 Paraguay observes that countries switching from Taiwan to China often experience economic decline and loss of control, reinforcing their decision to remain aligned with democratic partners.

Deepening US-Paraguay Relations and Shared Values

• 🤝 The delegation's visit aims to foster partnerships by increasing US understanding of Paraguay's unique culture, history, and conservative values.
• 🎓 Educational cooperation is highlighted, with programs like the Paraguay-Kansas Committee and government-funded scholarships for top universities, emphasizing a return to Paraguay after studies.
• ❤️ Paraguay maintains a strong, values-based relationship with Israel, including moving its embassy to Jerusalem, rooted in its Judeo-Christian heritage and a shared belief in freedom.