North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chair María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) has called on the Biden Administration to include Paraguay in the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP), a proposed economic growth framework between the United States and its Latin American partners. In a letter addressed to President Biden, Salazar emphasized the importance of including Paraguay in this partnership, stating that by not doing so, the United States is turning its back on a crucial and steadfast ally.

Salazar stated, "If APEP is a group of democracies that are friends to the United States, then Paraguay absolutely belongs on that list. President Biden, please do the right thing and include Paraguay where it belongs – in APEP with America’s friends."

Highlighting the geopolitical challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to establish dominance over the Americas, Salazar pointed out that China has been engaging in predatory lending, infrastructure projects, and military cooperation with countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. She emphasized that Paraguay, in contrast, has remained loyal to the United States and has continued to support Taiwan, making it an important ally in the region.

Salazar further highlighted that while most of South America now recognizes the People's Republic of China, Paraguay stands out by maintaining its support for Taiwan. Additionally, she noted that Paraguay was one of only 14 countries to stand up for Israel at the United Nations, demonstrating its commitment to the values shared by the United States.

As Congresswoman Salazar represents a vibrant Paraguayan community in Miami, her call for the inclusion of Paraguay in APEP carries significant weight. The full text of the letter can be found [here](link).

Salazar's letter serves as a reminder to the Biden Administration of the importance of strengthening relations with Paraguay and recognizing its role as a valuable partner in the Americas. As the United States seeks to build economic prosperity and counter the influence of China, including Paraguay in APEP would be a step in the right direction.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-urges-biden-administration-improve-relations-paraguay