Two formal agreements between the Philippines and Paraguay were signed Monday at Malacañang, covering visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders and cooperation in diplomatic training — outcomes of what marks the first-ever visit by a Paraguayan head of state to the country.
The visa-free entry agreement removes passport restrictions for ordinary passport holders from both nations, with the arrangement designed to encourage tourism, business activity, and broader exchanges between Filipino and Paraguayan citizens.
A separate memorandum of understanding between the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishes a structured framework for diplomatic training, skills development, information sharing, and academic cooperation projects between the two governments.
Both agreements were formalized in the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios following their bilateral meeting.
Ahead of the signing, Peña described the Philippines as an important gateway to Southeast Asia and signaled his country’s intent to build closer ties with ASEAN — framing the visit as part of a broader strategic interest rather than a purely ceremonial one.
The two leaders also took up trade expansion, food security, renewable energy, and regional connectivity during their talks.
