Strengthening US-Paraguay Relations

Before we sign, I just want to say a few words

in English and Spanish,

I think this is just another step

in the continued growth of our relationship between our two countries.

This assembly reflects that continued cooperation.

In fact, as we were commenting in our meeting a moment ago,

we've always had strong links between the United States and Paraguay.

Those links have only grown stronger.

And agreements like this and others that I hope will

happen in the future will begin to create real concrete progress,

institutionalize the deep ties between our two countries moving forward

so that they're not just the product of one administration or one era,

but they happen in democracies from time to time.

But nonetheless, the underpinnings and the foundation remain firm and strong.

So I'm very proud to be a part of this today.

It's a testament to that.

In Spanish, what I want to say is that obviously the relationship

between the United States and Paraguay has always been very close, very strong.

But what we have seen in the last year and a half has been incredible.

The relationship between both countries has grown in a historic way.

And through this understanding we have today,

it simply evidences that. And what we are looking for is to create a relationship that not only continues to grow,

but is part of something permanent.

No matter the changes in government that come, for example, in our system.

Every four or eight years we see changes.

But that the base, the foundation of the relationship between the countries

can survive any political change that exists in the future.

But what I can tell you is that we,

obviously, when I was a senator, I was very interested in the relationship between our country

and Paraguay. Now, as Secretary of State, it is even easier for me to contribute to this effort.

And if we can achieve in the next year and a half,

what we have achieved together in the last year and a half, which are not only bilateral issues,

but regional issues.

I believe the relationship between the United States and Paraguay will change forever

in an extraordinary way.

And today is evidence of that, and another step on that path

that I believe we have, that goal we have in common.

Thank you very much.