The governments of Paraguay and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation in Civil Nuclear Affairs. The civil nuclear cooperation deal aims to strengthen Paraguay’s capabilities in the civil nuclear field with American support. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to international development and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, recognising the contribution it can make to meeting the energy needs of the two countries.
The document was signed by Paraguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The ceremony took place at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. According to Paraguay’s Minister of the Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Jorge Molina, the agreement is the first step towards support for nuclear energy, with the aim of installing nuclear reactors for the production of electricity.
“Historic growth in bilateral relations”
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the historic growth of relations with Paraguay over the past year and a half at the civil nuclear cooperation deal signing. He expressed the desire of the US government to keep these ties strong regardless of changes in political administrations.
Rubio observed that if the progress made in that period can be continued in the coming years, not only on bilateral issues but also on regional matters in which “Paraguay has demonstrated great prominence. The relationship between the United States and Paraguay will change forever from extraordinary.”
The Secretary of State also mentioned the willingness of President Donald Trump’s government to create the foundations for a permanent strategic relationship between the two countries.
Common ground between the two nations
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano emphasised the common ground between the two nations. “We share values and principles such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, which allows us to work very closely together,” he said.
Vice President Pedro Alliana, who met with Secretary Rubio, also stressed that the strong relationship between Paraguay and the United States promotes innovation, technological development and sustainable growth for the benefit of all Paraguayans.
First step towards nuclear reactors
Paraguay’s Minister of the Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Jorge Molina, stated that the agreement is the first step towards support for nuclear energy, with the aim of installing nuclear reactors for the production of electricity. He indicated that the next steps, following the signing, are to finalise what is known as Agreement 123, which is necessary for the United States to transfer nuclear technology to Paraguay.
“This is a great step because in these new reactor models, both the SMR and the modular microreactor, the United States is the most advanced place in these technologies,” Minister Molina emphasised.
Advanced reactor technology and new legislation
The minister noted that the ARRN is currently working on a bill that incorporates nuclear energy as one of the opportunities for the country’s energy supply, whether from public or private initiatives.
“Our idea is that industries that want to have this energy source should produce it and sell the surplus, as is done with solar panels,” he explained in a television interview, adding that the proposal must be ratified through the approval of the law promoted by the ARRN.
Also read: Paraguay And United States Sign Historic Pact To Tackle Irregular Migration.
