Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Leads Delegation to Paraguay, Aiming to Accelerate AI and Smart Transportation Cooperation

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Yang Yao-ju, Taipei, June 17) Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi led a delegation to visit Paraguay, reviewing current cooperation programs and future collaboration directions, and held talks with Paraguay's Foreign Minister. Chen stated that Taiwan and Paraguay's diplomatic relations will soon mark their 70th anniversary, and expressed hopes to accelerate cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), higher education, and smart transportation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on the evening of the 17th, stating that Chen led a delegation to visit Taiwan's South American ally, Paraguay, from June 14 to 19. During the visit, Chen met with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez and Deputy Foreign Minister Víctor Verdún, and inspected the outcomes of various Taiwan-Paraguay cooperation programs.

Chen noted that Taiwan and Paraguay's diplomatic friendship is approaching its 70th anniversary. The two countries have achieved remarkable results through extensive cooperation across multiple fields, with bilateral trade continuing to grow. He expressed gratitude for Paraguay's long-standing and steadfast international support for Taiwan. This visit not only reviewed the progress of existing programs but also aimed to jointly plan and coordinate future cooperation with Paraguayan counterparts, accelerating collaboration in artificial intelligence, higher education, and smart transportation to leverage both nations' strengths for national development.

Foreign Minister Ramírez stated that President Santiago Peña's visit to Taiwan in May yielded fruitful results, and Paraguay will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation on this solid foundation. He also emphasized that Paraguay will continue to promote the positive significance of Taiwan-Paraguay cooperation in international forums and exchanges with friendly nations. He noted that the diverse cooperation areas align with national development needs and lay a solid foundation for the next generation.

The Ministry explained that in addition to discussing future cooperation directions, Chen also visited key projects including the planned site of the 'Taiwan-Paraguay Sovereign AI Computing Center,' the 'Electric Bus Pilot Program,' the 'Medical Information System,' the 'Taiwan-Paraguay University of Science and Technology,' and the 'Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park,' highlighting both governments' commitment to deepening cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties. (Edited by Lin Hsing-meng) 1150617