The governments of Paraguay and the United States have formalized a significant military partnership by signing a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on March 5, 2024. This agreement allows for the presence and operations of U.S. military personnel and Department of Defense civilians in Paraguay. The signing took place in Washington, D.C., during an official visit by Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The SOFA establishes a framework for U.S. military involvement in Paraguay, focusing on bilateral and multinational training, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and other shared security interests. Secretary Rubio emphasized that this agreement “opens new doors for our collective efforts to advance security and stability in our hemisphere.”
Both leaders underscored their commitment to combatting transnational crime and drug trafficking, with plans to collaborate closely in the coming months and years. The U.S. State Department highlighted that the agreement strengthens a longstanding partnership and aligns with both nations’ priorities for enhanced security.
Strengthening Regional Security
During the signing ceremony, Secretary Rubio described Paraguay as one of the United States’ strongest allies. He noted that the agreement extends beyond security concerns to include economic cooperation, which he believes has the potential to significantly benefit Paraguay. “There’s a lot of good things happening in Paraguay, a tremendous potential to make Paraguay a richer country,” Rubio stated.
Rubio also addressed the threats posed by transnational terrorist organizations, stressing the need for strong regional partners to confront these challenges effectively. He pointed out that the SOFA formalizes existing cooperation, allowing for enhanced training, intelligence sharing, and joint operations as necessary.
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ramírez Lezcano reiterated his country’s dedication to combating terrorism and transnational criminal organizations. He expressed that the agreement would not only bolster security but also enhance cooperation in developing Paraguay’s security forces. “This is an agreement that will strengthen our relationship not only on security but also on strategy and development,” he asserted.
Future Collaborations and Developments
The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry disclosed that during discussions, Rubio and Ramírez Lezcano addressed key issues such as the delivery of radar systems to improve national airspace monitoring. They also reviewed the Safe Third Country Agreement, which aims to enhance regional stability.
The meeting included Paraguay’s Defense Minister Óscar González, who participated alongside U.S. officials in addressing regional challenges. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing security and prosperity in both nations, setting the stage for a productive partnership moving forward.
Overall, the SOFA signifies a crucial step in U.S.-Paraguayan relations, aiming to foster greater stability and cooperation in the region while addressing pressing security concerns.
