Paraguay's Vice President Pedro Alliana traveled to Washington DC accompanied by Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano for a high-level meeting at the United States Department of State. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, will include US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior officials, including Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell and Michael Kozak, responsible for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
According to Alliana, the dialogue aims to strengthen bilateral relations, addressing a broad agenda that includes trade, investment, security, and cooperation. The vice president stated that the intention is to deepen ties between the two countries based on shared values and interests.
The visit comes at a time of diplomatic tension between Paraguay and Brazil, following statements by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva about the War of the Triple Alliance (1864-1870). Lula stated that the conflict began because Paraguay "decided to invade Brazil," a historical version that sparked strong reactions in Asunción. The Paraguayan government has already summoned the Brazilian ambassador, José Antonio Marcondes de Carvalho, and sent an official protest note to Brasília, expressing its displeasure and requesting the return of the historic cannons "Cristiano" and "Presidente López."
In this context, Uruguay's National Party issued a statement expressing solidarity with Paraguay and rejecting Lula's statements. The party, which governed the country under Luis Lacalle Pou (2020-2025), described the claims as mistaken and false, reaffirming its historical solidarity with the Paraguayan people.
Pedro Alliana publicly valued the Uruguayan gesture on his social media, highlighting the importance of being faithful to history and building an America based on dialogue, truth, and mutual respect.