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Paraguay’s President Officially Inaugurates Embassy in Jerusalem
Santiago Peña cements ties with Israel as Paraguay becomes the sixth country to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
In a historic move, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña inaugurated his country’s embassy in Jerusalem on Thursday, making Paraguay the sixth nation to establish an embassy in Israel’s capital.
The ceremony, held with great fanfare, included a ribbon-cutting and the installation of a mezuzah marking the embassy’s doorway with a traditional symbol of Jewish faith and heritage.
“I am very happy that this is happening at this time, in the current reality of the world,” Peña said. “Many people talk, but not many people act. So for us, it is important for us not only to say but also to do.”
Paraguay’s embassy move marks the reversal of a controversial 2018 decision by Peña’s predecessor, Mario Abdo Benítez, who had rescinded the earlier decision to relocate the embassy to Jerusalem under then-President Horacio Cartes. Peña expressed both pride and disappointment when recalling Paraguay’s earlier embassy relocation and subsequent withdrawal.
“I was very saddened a few months later when a new administration, driven mainly by revenge, internal revenge with no connection to the citizens of Israel, decided to move it back,” he said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Peña for his decisive action, which he called a testament to Paraguay’s unwavering friendship with Israel. “We have a common interest; President Peña understands economics. He understands all the potential,” Netanyahu said.
Drawing a connection to Jerusalem’s storied history, Netanyahu added, “These are the same hills where King David declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel 3,000 years ago.”
After the inauguration, the leaders held a private meeting during which Peña invited Netanyahu to visit Paraguay. The day concluded with a signing ceremony for several bilateral memoranda of understanding and agreements, reinforcing the partnership between the two nations.
Paraguay joins the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by opening embassies in the city. While most nations maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, Peña’s decision underscores Paraguay’s longstanding support for Israel, which dates back to its 1947 vote for the establishment of the Jewish state.
Netanyahu highlighted the enduring significance of Jerusalem in Israeli and Jewish history, calling the embassy’s opening another step in strengthening Israel’s international relationships.
As Paraguay’s embassy begins operations in Jerusalem, the move sends a powerful message of solidarity and serves as a reminder that meaningful actions speak louder than words.
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