Risch Welcomes Paraguayan President Peña to U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday welcomed Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to the U.S. capitol.

“It was a pleasure to welcome President Peña to the U.S. Capitol yesterday. The United States and Paraguay have a longstanding relationship and shared commitment to democratic principles. In particular, I appreciate Paraguay’s continued support of our democratic partner Taiwan. We must work together to address the Chinese Communist Party’s growing presence in the Western Hemisphere.

“We also discussed our shared support for Israel as it defends itself against Hamas and concerns about Hezbollah’s presence in the region. We must do all that we can to fight against terrorism globally.

“On the domestic front, the United States should work to improve private sector economic growth in Paraguay and protect Paraguay’s sovereignty over strategic infrastructure. We should also encourage Paraguay to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along the key Paraná-Paraguay Waterway. Bolstering our economic and security cooperation will deter malign external actors, protect vital global food production, and advance mutual security and prosperity.”

###