Ayolas, 31 May 2022 (TDI): The Argentine President, Alberto Fernandez, visited the Paraguayan city of Ayolas, Misiones, where he held a meeting with Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez.

Ayolas is a Paraguayan border district bordering Argentina. The development district is important for Argentina-Paraguay connectivity and larger South American integration.

The leaders met in the city to verify the progress on the joint Aña Cuá project. It is one of the most important hydroelectricity production projects. In addition, the project is an example of functional integration between the two countries.

Moreover, the president inaugurated a project to deliver more than 1000 houses to the residents of the city free of charge.

Afterward, both presidents held a bilateral meeting and talked to the media. They stressed the interest of their governments in strengthening bilateral relations by working together on joint projects.

Meanwhile, the Paraguayan president highlighted the positive impact that the Aña Cua project will generate, which employs more than 900 workers and technicians from both countries.

Likewise, Argentine president Alberto Fernández emphasized the historic relations between Paraguay and Argentina. He called for these ties to be deepened and strengthened.

He proclaimed that “the South American integration has to be stronger, as well as the integration of Mercosur and specifically that of Paraguay and Argentina because we have the same origin and we have the same destiny and we should not discuss this further; the pandemic showed us the injustice in which we live how unequal the world has been.”

Furthermore, Alberto Fernandez assured his Paraguayan counterpart of the opening of the Ituzaingó-Ayolas international pass. A border crossing between two countries closed since 2020, it will be reopened at the request of the Paraguayan President.

Previously, Argentina’s foreign minister visited Paraguay to enhance ties and sign agreements.

Paraguay-Argentina Relations

Both countries were part of the Vice-Royalty of Rio de La Plata before achieving independence from the Spanish empire. They established diplomatic relations in 1811, over two centuries ago.

Moreover, both countries are part of MERCOSUR, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States, Rio Group, Group of 77, and Latin American Integration Association.

Both countries enjoy cordial relations.