President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Paraguay President Mario Abdo Benítez visited an air base together in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Friday. Benítez is visiting as part of a state visit to Taiwan, as Paraguay is one of Taiwan’s few remaining allies which maintains official diplomatic relations.
The two presidents visited the base’s F-16V exhibitions, and mutually exchanged flight jackets from their respective country’s air forces.
Tsai said in a speech at the base that Taiwan’s recent military reforms and strategy demonstrate their resolve in matters of national security. She also said that Taiwan hopes to improve military cooperation and exchanges between friendly countries such as Paraguay.
Benítez said in his speech that he appreciates the defense exchanges between Taiwan and Paraguay, which include exchanges between their military academies. He said he hopes such cooperation can be strengthened in the future.