Paraguay’s new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, Estefanía Laterza de los Ríos, has officially presented her letters of credence to President Donald J. Trump. The ceremony marked the formal commencement of her duties as the head of Paraguay’s diplomatic mission in Washington.
During the meeting, Laterza emphasised the importance of continuing to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted the goal of promoting new opportunities for cooperation between Paraguay and the United States. Laterza also conveyed official greetings from the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, and from the Paraguayan people.
A commitment to stronger ties
President Trump extended his best wishes to Laterza she begins her tenure. He also expressed his administration’s willingness to continue strengthening the relationship between the United States and Paraguay. The leaders agreed on the importance of working together in areas of common interest.
The United States and Paraguay have maintained diplomatic relations since 1861. The partnership is founded on shared interests, including the strengthening of democratic institutions, enhancing economic prosperity, and collaborating on security matters. This includes joint efforts to combat corruption, money laundering, and other transnational criminal activities.
An experienced diplomat in Washington
Ambassador Laterza is a career diplomat with extensive experience. Prior to this appointment, she served as the director of the Carlos Antonio López Diplomatic and Consular Academy. Her career also includes roles as Vice Minister of Investments and Exports and as a representative for the CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean in Brazil, after earlier CAF work in Paraguay).
She has also held senior Foreign Ministry posts and served in Paraguay’s missions in Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Switzerland. Her appointment received unanimous approval from the Paraguayan Congress.
The previous Paraguayan ambassador to the United States was Gustavo Leite, a senator from the ruling Colorado Party. He held the post for less than a year, from mid-July 2025 until late July 2026, before resigning to return to his Senate seat.
