Israeli and Paraguayan presidents celebrate renewed ties with embassy move

In a warm display of camaraderie, Israeli President Isaac Herzog hosted Paraguayan President Santiago Peña in Jerusalem on Wednesday to mark the reopening of Paraguay’s embassy in Israel’s capital. The event symbolized the deep and enduring bond between the two nations, which dates back to Paraguay’s support for Israel’s establishment in 1947.

Breaking from his usual formality, Herzog invited Peña to address him by his nickname, Bougie, saying, “I’ll call you Santi, and you call me Bougie.” Peña’s visit follows through on his campaign pledge to restore the embassy to Jerusalem after its closure in 2018.

Paraguay’s relationship with Israel is steeped in history. It was one of the 33 countries that voted for the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan, paving the way for the creation of the State of Israel. Diplomatic ties were established in 1949, and Peña emphasized that the embassy move represents the will of the Paraguayan people, reflecting their longstanding affinity for Israel.

“We have been with you in the past. We will always be with you,” Peña wrote in Herzog’s guest book.

Herzog reciprocated the sentiment, thanking Peña for his nation’s steadfast friendship, especially during a challenging year for Israel. “Paraguay’s friendship is very meaningful,” Herzog said. “Together, we are fighting antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia.”

The Paraguayan president, in turn, linked his country’s friendliness to Israel to its cultural roots, tracing back to the ancient Aztecs who welcomed Western pioneers centuries ago. He described the embassy relocation as a moral obligation: “It was our duty.”

With the reopening of Paraguay’s embassy, Jerusalem now hosts six embassies, including those of the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea.

Both presidents expressed their hopes for peace and a brighter future, underscoring the enduring partnership between their countries. “The friendship you are radiating means a lot to us,” Herzog told Peña, highlighting the importance of mutual support in the global fight against hate and discrimination.

Stay informed on Israel’s diplomatic efforts by sharing this article or subscribing to our newsletter.