Minister Tajani spoke by phone with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ramirez Lezcano

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, spoke by telephone today with the Foreign Minister of Paraguay, Rubén Ramirez Lezcano, a key Latin American country with which this year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of bilateral relations and where a large community of Italians live (over 25% of the population is of Italian origin).

During the conversation, Minister Tajani reaffirmed his desire to strengthen relations with Paraguay by working together on new economic, political, and justice cooperation plans, including within the framework of the Falcone-Borsellino Program and the regional programs EL PACCTO 2.0, COPOLAD 3, and EUROFRONT.

With specific reference to trade, Italy is Paraguay's third-largest supplier and customer among EU countries, with exports consisting largely of machinery and equipment for the agri-food industry. In this regard, Minister Tajani noted that the recent conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Mercosur (over which Paraguay will take the Presidency starting in January 2026) will provide new opportunities to increase trade, investment, and promote Italian exports, while adequately addressing the concerns of key production sectors, such as agriculture.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of the upcoming Italy-Latin America and Caribbean Ministerial Conference, to be held in Rome on October 6 and 7. He said: "The Conference, now in its 12th year, is a strategic opportunity to strengthen a shared vision and jointly address the challenges to international security and stability."

Minister Ramirez Lezcano emphasized that Italy is a strategic ally in Europe and highlighted the many areas of collaboration. Both Ministers agreed on the importance of effective coordination between Italy and Latin America, including in the fight against terrorism, and mentioned the upcoming meeting of the Aqaba Process, which will take place in Rome on 15 October, in which Paraguayan President Peña is expected to participate.