Manila: Paraguayan President Santiago Pe±a Palacios on Monday expressed his government's interest in strengthening ties with the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), citing Manila's strategic role as a gateway to the Southeast Asian market.

According to Philippines News Agency, during his bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malaca±ang, Palacios said Paraguay sees an opportunity to deepen cooperation between South America and Southeast Asia. Paraguay currently holds the pro tempore presidency of MERCOSUR while the Philippines chairs ASEAN this year.

'This convergence opens a valuable opportunity to bring both regional blocs closer together and to advance towards a more structured dialogue between South America and Southeast Asia,' Palacios stated. His visit is historic, marking the first by a Paraguayan leader to the Philippines.

Palacios expressed Paraguay's intention to engage more closely with ASEAN, including through accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), aimed at promoting peaceful relations and regional cooperation. He emphasized the Philippines' strategic role, describing it as a 'dynamic market and an important gateway to Southeast Asia.'

The Paraguayan president highlighted Manila's recent approval to import Paraguayan beef, marking a milestone in bilateral economic relations. 'Paraguay, as a reliable food producer, can make a meaningful contribution to food security,' Palacios noted.

He also pointed out potential areas for cooperation, including renewable energy and logistics connectivity. MERCOSUR, or the Southern Common Market, is a South American trade bloc established in 1991 to promote free trade and regional economic integration, with full members being Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia.