The governments of Paraguay and Spain have signed a new partnership framework for Sustainable Development over a period from 2025 until 2028, establishing a joint roadmap to promote inclusion and reduce inequalities. The cooperation agreement allocates over US$100 million to programmes across Paraguay, focusing on social equity, environmental responsibility, and institutional strengthening.
Addressing poverty, access to education, and healthcare
The new partnership framework reaffirms a shared commitment to reduce inequalities and addressing issues like poverty, access to education, and healthcare. It also emphasis on a fair ecological transition, supporting sustainable practices in both urban and rural environments, as well as production systems. Institutional strengthening in the partnership focusses on enhancing governance and institutional frameworks to ensure effective implementation of development initiatives.
The agreement between the two countries was signed in Madrid, Spain. Paraguay was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Víctor Verdún, and Spain by the Secretary of State for Ibero-America and the Caribbean, Susana Sumelzo Jordán.
“Paraguay a priority country”
Spanish Ambassador Javier Parrondo described the partnership framework as a renewed demonstration of Spain’s commitment to Paraguay’s progress. He emphasised that Paraguay “is a priority country” for the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). Collaboration between the two nations spans multiple domains, including educational initiatives like the Carolina Foundation, which provides scholarships for Paraguayans to study in Spain.
Future visit after partnership framework
On July 23, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit Paraguay as part of a tour of the Southern Cone that will also include stops in Chile and Uruguay.
In Asunción, Sánchez will meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to oversee the signing of several bilateral agreements and take part in a business forum involving Spanish and sanitation, and energy. These agreements are expected to strengthen economic ties between the two nations, particularly by encouraging Spanish investment in key development sectors.
As part of his visit to the Paraguayan capital, Sánchez will also participate in a tribute to Josefina Plá, the Spanish-born artist, journalist, and writer who became a foundational figure in Paraguay’s cultural and artistic development before her death in 1999.
