For the first time in the history of Ukrainian-Paraguayan relations Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kostyantyn Gryshchenko paid an official visit to Paraguay, which started on April 26, 2012 with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pantheon of Heroes. The visit coincided with the 20th Anniversary of recognition of Ukraine’s independence by Paraguay. 

During the negotiations with Paraguayan Foreign Minister, Kostyantyn Gryshchenko discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, including the enhancement of legal basis, intensification of trade and economic cooperation. Special attention was paid to the matters of joint efforts in the framework of international organizations.

In addition to positive assessment by both Ministers of the first Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, held this April, they reaffirmed mutual interest in carrying out joint infrastructural projects, particularly, in the field of railway and shipbuilding industry of Paraguay.

During the meeting both sides underlined an important role of the Ukrainian community in social and economic development of Paraguay, as well as rapprochement between the two states. The issue of interaction between Ukraine and Paraguay within the international organizations was also discussed. 

At the end of negotiations the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Paraguay signed the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation, as well as Agreement on Cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine and the Jose Falcon Consular Academy of Paraguay.

Minister Castro, on behalf of President of Paraguay Fernando Lugo, expressed an invitation to President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to visit Paraguay at the earliest convenience. On the other hand, Minister Gryshchenko invited his Paraguayan colleague to visit Ukraine.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Paraguay decorated the Ukrainian Foreign Minister with the National Paraguayan Order “For Merits” of the Grand Extraordinary Cross rank. 

Minister Gryshchenko gave an interview to the leading Paraguayan edition ABC.