The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay have been convened for a joint session next Tuesday, June 30, at 4 p.m., to receive the president of Chile, José Antonio Kast, with protocol honors. The convocation was issued by the president of Congress, Senator Basilio "Bachi" Núñez, through Resolution No. 1,733, in compliance with Article 183, Paragraph 4, of the National Constitution.
Kast's visit takes place within the framework of the Mercosur Heads of State Summit, which is also being held on June 30. Chile participates in the bloc as an Associated State, and the leaders' meeting is expected to address topics such as economic integration, trade, infrastructure, and cooperation among member and associated countries.
The joint session coincides with the regular session of the Chamber of Deputies, already convened for 9 a.m. on the same day. The last bilateral meeting between President Santiago Peña and Kast took place on March 11, during the inauguration of the Chilean leader. On that occasion, the two leaders discussed strengthening economic ties, joint infrastructure projects, security cooperation, and the advancement of the Bioceanic Route, which runs through Paraguayan territory.
This is José Antonio Kast's first official visit to Paraguay as president of Chile. However, he will be the second Chilean head of state received by Santiago Peña, following the visit of then-president Gabriel Boric in June 2024. In the legislative sphere, Kast will also be the second foreign leader honored in a joint session of Congress during the current administration, after the visit of Argentine President Javier Milei in September of last year.