ТASHKENT, December 11. /Dunyo IA/. From 11 to 13 December, Santiago Peña, President of Paraguay will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The visit is expected to become a significant milestone in the history of bilateral relations, which, despite the establishment of diplomatic ties in August 2001, have developed relatively cautiously until now.

The geographical distance between the two countries and the absence of regular political contacts have historically limited closer engagement. However, today both nations are demonstrating a mutual interest in deepening their partnership.

Paraguay is a country located in the heart of South America. It is one of the region’s most dynamically developing economies, supported by a strong agricultural sector and a robust energy infrastructure. The country is a major exporter of soybeans, beef, corn, and other agricultural products, and possesses one of the world’s largest hydroelectric potentials, thanks to the operation of joint hydroelectric facilities with Brazil and Argentina.

Paraguay’s foreign policy is guided by the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, a pragmatic approach to international cooperation, and a prioritization of economic diplomacy. These orientations closely align with Uzbekistan’s contemporary foreign policy, which similarly emphasizes pragmatism, seeks to expand mutually beneficial engagement, and aims to strengthen a trust-based dialogue with all partners.

For Paraguay, membership in regional integration organizations in South America plays an important role in promoting exports and attracting investment — an approach that resonates with Uzbekistan’s efforts to deepen its engagement in international economic processes.

At the same time, Uzbekistan and Paraguay possess significant potential for cooperation in the agricultural sector. Paraguay has unique expertise in agricultural production and processing, while Uzbekistan is actively modernizing its own agricultural sector through the adoption of advanced water-saving technologies, new management methods, and innovative solutions. Exchanges of experience and technology, as well as joint projects in agriculture, climate-resilient crops, and agri-logistics, could become key areas of bilateral collaboration.

The energy sector represents another promising avenue for cooperation. Paraguay, with its substantial hydroelectric resources, has developed significant expertise in managing large-scale energy facilities, exporting electricity, and implementing modern energy solutions. Uzbekistan, which is actively modernizing its energy system and attracting major investments in renewable energy, can also benefit from engagement with Paraguay — ranging from experience-sharing to studying successful energy management models.

Despite the geographical distance and similar challenges — notably, both countries being landlocked — trade links between Uzbekistan and Paraguay exist, albeit at a relatively modest scale. Nevertheless, both nations are actively pursuing economic diplomacy, aiming to expand the geography of foreign trade, attract new investment, and promote national products and technologies on global markets. In this context, significant opportunities arise to enhance bilateral trade, foster cooperation in industry, agriculture, transport, processing, and energy, as well as exchange expertise in economic reforms and the modernization of key sectors.

Uzbekistan’s intention to actively expand the export not only of goods but also of technologies, expertise, educational and engineering solutions aligns closely with Paraguay’s interests, which include attracting modern technologies, developing processing industries, and diversifying its economy. This creates a favorable foundation for moving toward practical cooperation, underpinned by concrete projects and initiatives.

Accordingly, the upcoming first-ever Uzbekistan–Paraguay summit at the highest level could serve as a new starting point for invigorating bilateral cooperation. It is expected to open opportunities for substantive dialogue, identify promising areas of engagement, and provide a strategic impetus to the relationship, including interregional collaboration. This high-level contact has the potential to lay the groundwork for closer political, economic, and humanitarian partnership between the two countries — located in different regions of the world yet united by shared development interests and a commitment to expanding international cooperation.