Municipal authorities from Presidente Franco and Puerto Iguazú have taken the first step toward creating a binational Integration Committee, a mechanism intended to streamline border procedures and strengthen institutional assistance for Paraguayans and Argentines. The initiative was discussed at a meeting held at the Paraguayan Consulate in Puerto Iguazú, with the participation of Mayor Roque Godoy, Councilman Lucio Vera, and the Secretary General of the Municipality of Presidente Franco, Ramón Riveros.
“There are several topics addressed within this Integration Committee, for example: transportation, health… and there is something that arises daily, two fundamental issues: health and also often the death of compatriots in the city of Puerto Iguazú or in Presidente Franco on the part of Argentines,” said Riveros. The official highlighted that the meeting was made possible thanks to the efforts of the municipal councilman and the support of Paraguayan diplomatic authorities.
The intention is to formalize an institutional mechanism that allows for faster handling of everyday situations involving citizens of both countries. “The idea is to overcome these bureaucratic procedures with the institutions that will be part of this Integration Committee. We are not only talking about the municipalities, but also about various entities of the national government,” explained Riveros.
Among the sensitive areas are health, transportation, migration, and consular assistance. Riveros cited cases of medical referrals, accidents, or deaths that generate lengthy processes for families due to the lack of agile mechanisms between border institutions. “These are situations that arise practically every day and often require immediate coordination between Migration, Customs, hospitals, and other institutions,” he added.
The Secretary General also mentioned that the growth of border dynamics, especially with the future operation of the Integration Bridge, forces institutions to prepare for new challenges. “Today we are seeing what the impact of the Integration Bridge will be, so all of this also obliges us to tomorrow process the same with our counterparts in Foz do Iguaçu,” he said.
During the meeting, topics related to the protection of children and indigenous peoples were also discussed. “Many factors are taken care of there, including children and a very important factor, which is also that of indigenous peoples. All of this was debated yesterday at this dialogue table,” commented Riveros.
The Municipality of Presidente Franco has already initiated formal procedures to accelerate the formation of the Committee. “The Municipality is already drafting the note. An official request to the Consulate so that this process can be expedited and the Committee can be formed as soon as possible and we can begin working with our counterparts,” concluded Riveros.