Paraguay–UAE Relations: A Year of Strategic Diplomacy, Trade, and Cultural Engagement
Over the past year and a half, Paraguay has significantly strengthened its diplomatic, political, and economic presence in the Gulf region, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as a key strategic partner. Under the leadership of H.E. Carolin Konther, Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay to the UAE, with concurrent accreditation to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Pakistan, the Embassy has advanced an ambitious agenda focused on visibility, concrete results, and long-term cooperation.
From historic high-level visits and landmark memorandun of understanding to growing trade ties, cultural diplomacy, and community engagement, Paraguay’s foreign policy in the Gulf has entered a new phase of depth and dynamism.
Below, LatinGulf.ae presents the full transcript of Ambassador Konther’s official report, covering the period from June 2024 to December 2025, outlining the milestones achieved and the strategic vision guiding Paraguay’s engagement with the region.
It is an honor to address you to share the management report of the Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay to the United Arab Emirates, with concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, covering the period from June 2024 to December 2025.
By instructions of the President of the Republic, Mr. Santiago Peña, our objective has been clear: greater presence, proactive action, creativity, and tangible results for Paraguay.
Since assuming my duties as Ambassador of the Republic of Paraguay in June 2024, I immediately began an intense agenda marked by dozens of meetings with senior government authorities of the United Arab Emirates, as well as official visits by high-ranking officials, aimed at strengthening diplomatic, political, and cultural relations between Paraguay and the United Arab Emirates. These efforts promoted historic initiatives and agreements, culminating in the first official visit of the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
This visit represented a historic milestone that marked a before and after in bilateral relations. Likewise, the Vice President of the Republic of Paraguay, Mr. Pedro Alliana, participated in the World Government Summit, presenting Paraguay’s sustainable development model and its competitive advantages. This intense effort was driven by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Minister Rubén Ramírez, with the support of the Ministers of Industry and Commerce, Javier Giménez; Information and Communication Technologies, Gustavo Villate; Education, Luis Ramírez; and the Vice Minister of the Interior, Óscar Campuzano.
Through official visits and intensive meetings with members of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, we were able to sign historic memorandun of understanding, strengthening cooperation between our two governments. In parallel, we welcomed parliamentarians from both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of the National Congress of the Republic, including the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Raúl Latorre, who met with the President of the Federal National Council, thereby reinforcing political trust and parliamentary cooperation between both countries.
In the same vein, at the food security fair Gulfood 2025, we promoted the presence of Paraguayan beef at one of the most important food exhibitions in the world. In February 2026, the Paraguayan Meat Chamber will participate in Gulfood Dubai 2026, positioning Paraguay as a producer of excellence. Since President Santiago Peña assumed office in 2023, he has promoted a strategic partnership between Paraguay and the United Arab Emirates and has played a leading role in the negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and the United Arab Emirates.
We have worked tirelessly on the coordination of technical and diplomatic efforts on both sides, and today we are only a few steps away from the signing of this historic agreement.
In this context, we have accelerated short- and medium-term business alliances between Paraguayan and Emirati companies, signing agreements for the export of beef and leather.
Regarding the memorandum of understanding signed between the Government of Paraguay and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, the following stand out:
Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education and Scientific Research, which represents an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between universities and higher education institutions in both countries. Currently, we are working with Umm Al Quwain University to obtain university scholarships for outstanding Paraguayan students.
Memorandum of Understanding on Cybersecurity, which will allow Paraguay to access a modern and innovative security system.
Memorandum of Understanding on Food Security and Transport, which will facilitate the entry of Paraguayan products into the Emirati market, as well as cooperation between companies and infrastructure projects.
On a cultural level, Paraguay participated for the first time in the National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence in Abu Dhabi, with the presence of Paraguayan artists and the exhibition of traditional Paraguayan dance, ñandutí art and Paraguayan gastronomy.
For the empowerment of Paraguayan women, we achieved—also for the first time—the granting of nine-week scholarships for two Paraguayan women from the Armed Forces to receive training and education in security and peace, making them the only representatives from Latin America.
With regard to proximity and attention to the Paraguayan community residing in the United Arab Emirates, we have carried out dozens of consular services, including the processing of personal documents, legalizations, assistance, and support, as well as the organization of receptions for nationals at the Embassy headquarters, reinforcing our humanistic spirit and vocation of service.
The outstanding participation of our young compatriot, racing driver Joshua Duerksen—whose second consecutive victory was celebrated with immense national pride—symbolizes the deep bond that unites Paraguay with the United Arab Emirates.
Accompanying him both last year and in this new achievement has allowed us to showcase Paraguayan talent on an international stage of excellence, reaffirming that our citizens find in the United Arab Emirates a space where they can grow, compete, and succeed. This presence not only connects Paraguay in the sports arena but also further strengthens the closeness and friendship between both peoples—values that this Embassy is honored to continue cultivating.
Dear compatriots, I express my deep gratitude to the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, for the trust placed in me and for his constant support throughout this administration. His leadership, commitment, and vision of the resurgence of a great Paraguay have been my motivation to move forward with determination in achieving milestones that position Paraguay in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Pakistan.
I also sincerely thank the Vice President of the Republic, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the various authorities of our national government, and our Paraguayan community for their support, accompaniment, and commitment to our nation.
Finally, I extend my recognition to my Embassy team for their unwavering support and their commitment to excellence in every task and every effort. We will continue to work with altruism and humanism to further position our beloved Paraguay.
May God bless the people of Paraguay.
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