Paraguay and Qatar have reached a landmark agreement to abolish visa requirements for ordinary passport holders. The accord marks a new era in the growing collaboration between the two nations. The agreement was formalised during a ceremony attended by Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano and Qatar’s Minister of State for Interior Affairs, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani.
The two nations reviewed a wide range of bilateral matters, and discussed fresh mechanisms to boost cooperation in key areas.
Investment and cooperation opportunities in Paraguay and Qatar
Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visa waiver reflects a shared vision of strengthening diplomatic relations. At the same time, the agreement also aims to enhance mobility for citizens of both nations.
Minister Ramírez held meetings with senior authorities and representatives of development and investment organisations during his official visit to Qatar. The Qatari side expressed strong interest in increasing investments in Paraguay. This was highlighted in a meeting with Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director-General of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). The Fund identified energy, mining, agriculture, and education as priority sectors, with future possibilities in gas exploration and sustainable development projects.
Talks also covered infrastructure financing and university scholarship programmes, cementing long-term bilateral cooperation vision.
Strengthening education, health, and economic relations
In another meeting, the Foreign Minister of Paraguay met with Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Qatar’s State Minister for International Cooperation. The two ministers agreed on the need to develop joint initiatives in health and education. These sectors remain at the centre of Qatar’s international cooperation agenda. Al-Misnad greeted the visit, saying that the interaction “helps strengthen friendship and mutual understanding” between the two countries.
Later on, Minister Ramírez talked with Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, Executive Director of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), to explore new investment opportunities. The meeting acted to highlight Paraguay’s macroeconomic stability and favourable investment climate as strong pillars of enhanced economic cooperation.
The just-signed visa exemption agreement, together with such high-level contacts, constitutes a new thrust in the relations between Paraguay and Qatar, paving the way for future investments in trade, education, and sustainable development. Find more info on the Qatar Embassy in Paraguay website.
Read more: Middle East Partnership opens new export markets for Paraguay.
