On Monday, the United States and Paraguay made a significant step by signing a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which facilitates the presence and operations of U.S. military and civilian personnel in Paraguay.
The agreement was inked by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano in Washington during the Paraguayan diplomat’s official visit.
Both officials reinforced their commitment to jointly tackle transnational crime and drug trafficking, outlining plans for ongoing cooperation in the near future.
The SOFA establishes a framework for U.S. military presence in Paraguay, intended for collaborative training, humanitarian efforts, disaster response, and shared security interests. Rubio remarked that this agreement “opens a new door in our joint efforts to promote security and stability in the hemisphere.”
A statement from the State Department highlighted that this agreement signifies the U.S.’s commitment to collaborating closely with Paraguay, recognizing its increasing role as a regional leader in security matters.
Furthermore, both officials expressed optimism about the agreement enhancing the sovereignty of both nations while strengthening cooperation for greater stability and prosperity in the region.
Rubio described Paraguay as a key ally for the U.S., emphasizing the desire to explore tangible avenues for cooperation that extend beyond mere security.
He mentioned, “This isn’t just a security issue. This agreement is about security, but we also want to expand our cooperation on the economic front. There is significant potential to enrich Paraguay and strengthen ties between our countries.”
Rubio highlighted that transnational terrorist organizations pose a severe issue for the hemisphere, threatening both regional stability and security from various angles.
He stated the necessity of having strong partners in the region, noting, “We need partners who recognize this threat and are ready to work alongside us to address it, all while respecting the sovereignty of partner countries.”
According to Rubio, this deal formalizes an existing partnership with Paraguay, enabling both countries to conduct training, transfer security gear, share information in real time, and respond collaboratively to unforeseen events.
Minister Ramírez Lezcano reaffirmed Paraguay’s commitment to combating terrorism and transnational crime, underscoring the long-standing diplomatic friendship with the U.S. for over 160 years.
He expressed the importance of human rights and the rule of law, stating, “Freedom is crucial in our fight against terrorism, as it paves the way for a better life for our people.”
He concluded that the agreement would not only strengthen security ties but also foster closer cooperation on developing their security strategies and forces.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay indicated that discussions were held about deploying radar systems for the country’s airspace, along with reviewing agreements related to safe third countries. Both nations have committed to continued collaboration on these issues.
The ministry also shared that Ramírez Lezcano and Defense Minister Óscar Gonzalez met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Army Joseph Humire to address regional challenges and discuss President Trump’s recent national security strategy.
