President Santiago Peña met His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle near London, becoming the first Paraguayan leader to be received by a British monarch. This significant milestone in bilateral relations aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations.
The meeting took place at the nearly 1,000 year old Windsor Castle, as part of President Peña’s official visit to the United Kingdom. He described the audience with the monarch as a “historic moment,” emphasising the respect and shared values that unite the two nations.
“Historic visit” to meet King Charles III
President Peña arrived in London on Tuesday to carry out an official agenda that included the meeting with King Charles III, and several business and commercial meetings. The UK visit of Paraguay’s head of state follows recent trips to the United Arab Emirates and Japan.
The British Ambassador to Paraguay, Danielle Dunne, who is accompanying the official program, stated: “It is an honour to witness this historic visit. The United Kingdom and Paraguay are natural allies. This visit is a testament to the mutual interest in advancing sustainable and equitable development for our nations.”
Meeting former UK Prime Minister Blair
The presidential visit is part of a renewed phase of rapprochement between Paraguay and the United Kingdom. According to officials, this mission represents a step in consolidating Paraguay as a strategic partner of the United Kingdom in Latin America, and reaffirms Britain’s interest in continuing to develop cooperative ties with nations committed to progress and sustainability.
Last year, Paraguay hosted the first ever visit to the country by a serving Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom, when former British Prime Minister David Cameron paid a visit to Asunción.
Next to meeting King Charles III, President Peña’s agenda included engagements with prominent figures and organisations. He met former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss investment opportunities, technology, and digital innovation.
Additionally, Peña held talks with major investors, including the Hinduja Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, to explore opportunities in energy, technology, and automation. He also attended a Paraguayan beef tasting event organised by the Paraguayan Embassy, and the Paraguayan Meats Chamber to promote the country’s high-quality beef exports.
Over 170 years of diplomatic relations
The events take place as part of the commemoration of more than 170 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They reflect their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in key areas such as trade, sustainable investment, education, climate action, and human rights.
