ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – Paraguayan Senate President Basilio Núñez welcomed Bolivian Senate President Andrónico Rodríguez, holding in-depth discussions on bilateral relations, trade, and integration between the two nations.

Bolivian Senate President Rodríguez paid a courtesy visit to Paraguay and was received by Senate President Núñez, along with Senators Natalicio Chase, Eduardo Nakayama, Patrick Kemper, and Esperanza Martínez.

President Núñez described President Rodríguez as a "young and promising figure in Latin American politics," praising his dedication to his country. He emphasized, "We can see that President Rodríguez is a well-prepared individual, and this meeting marks the beginning of a deeper bilateral relationship between Paraguay and Bolivia."

According to President Núñez, the two countries face many challenges where they can cooperate, including investment, waterways, infrastructure, energy, and support for entrepreneurs. He assessed that this meeting laid the groundwork for economic cooperation and mutual development between the two nations.

Bolivian Senate President Rodríguez stressed the importance of strengthening relations between the Paraguayan National Congress and the Bolivian Plurinational Legislative Assembly, explaining that this considers the common interests of the region. He stated, "It is important to promote parliamentary diplomacy that advances the common interests of the region."

During the meeting, the two parliamentary leaders discussed several economic cooperation measures, including methanol exports, waterway development and management, and the trade of Paraguayan soybeans and Bolivian natural gas. In particular, they agreed to explore a plan where Bolivia exports methanol to Paraguay, and Paraguay exports soybeans to Bolivia.

Furthermore, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on the development and management of the Paraguay-Paraná waterway. This waterway is expected to facilitate Bolivia's access to the sea and play a significant role in revitalizing trade between the two nations.

Paraguay and Bolivia, landlocked countries located in the heart of the South American continent, have maintained friendly relations for a long time based on their geographical proximity. The two countries are strengthening cooperation in various fields such as economy, culture, and society, promoting mutual development.

This meeting is considered an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two parliaments and further deepen bilateral relations. Paraguay and Bolivia are expected to continue expanding cooperation in various fields and persist in their efforts for common prosperity.