PRESS RELEASE : Minister David Rutley concludes visit to Paraguay [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 March 2023.
The Minister for the Americas reinforced the shared commitment of the UK and Paraguay to strengthen ties after marking 170 years of bilateral relations.
The British Embassy in Asunción received the visit of MP David Rutley, the Parliament Under Secretary of State for the Americas and the Caribbean on 2 to 3 March 2023. The visit occurred on the 170-anniversary of relations between the 2 countries, almost to the day. Among his visit priorities were climate change, business, energy and education.
The visit began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Finance. This MoU will allow for continued support to the Chevening scholarship programme, a key pillar of collaboration in education between Paraguay and the UK.
Minister Rutley also held meetings with the business sector, civil society and with presidential and vice presidential candidates for the general elections in April 2023. A highlight of his visit was a tour of the Itaipú hydroelectric dam and technological park, during which he learned more about Itaipú’s provision for the future use of its clean energy production, including its great potential in green hydrogen and ammonia.
As part of the visit, Minister Rutley also participated in the signing of an MoU with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for increased bilateral exchange. During the signing, participants could appreciate the original 1853 Treaty on Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between UK and Paraguay.
The visit concluded with a commemoration event at the Asunción Train Station, a joint event with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The train station is a symbol of historical bilateral relations between Paraguay and the UK. During the event, Paraguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Julio Arriola and Minister Rutley unveiled a commemorative plaque. The minister was also able to enjoy some traditional Paraguayan music, dance and food.
Minister for the Americas David Rutley said:
Paraguay is a natural ally to the UK in values, education and climate change. A clean-energy powerhouse, it shows potential to become a major player in green hydrogen.
I look forward to continued UK investment in Paraguay, and to increase trade both ways.
