Paraguay VP to Israel: You stood by us since October 7

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar received Paraguay's vice president, Pedro Alliana, and foreign minister, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem on Wednesday. The Paraguayan delegation also includes Environment and Sustainable Development Minister Rolando de Barros.

The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across multiple areas. Sa'ar thanked the vice president and foreign minister for Paraguay's deep friendship and its firm support of Israel, particularly since the October 7 terror attack.

"The people of Israel know that Paraguay is a proud and important country, and one that knows what it means to stand firm in the face of enormous challenges," Sa'ar said. "The Paraguayan War was one of the most devastating wars in Latin America. You survived and the country was rebuilt. Israel understands something of that spirit. You can understand us very well."

Paraguay's vice president expressed solidarity with Israel and the families of those murdered. "Three years ago, Hamas carried out brutal acts of terror. The terror organization murdered, raped and kidnapped innocent Israelis," he said. "Today we wish to express solidarity with the families of the murdered and with the citizens of Israel. We must act against hatred, antisemitism and terror. Paraguay has declared Hamas and Iran's Revolutionary Guards a terror organization."

A memorandum of understanding on health was signed during the meeting, followed by an expanded session of both delegations.

Israel and Paraguay maintain close, longstanding ties based on shared values and close political cooperation. Paraguay is among Israel's closest friends in Latin America, and in December 2024 it reopened its embassy in Jerusalem.

Earlier in the day, Paraguay's vice president and foreign minister visited Yad Vashem and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance. Later, members of the delegation attended the Foreign Ministry's memorial ceremony marking the events of October 7, with the participation of the diplomatic corps stationed in Israel and led by Foreign Minister Sa'ar.

The Paraguayan delegation's visit to Israel continues through Friday.