Asunción, Agencia IP.- Bilateral relations between Paraguay and Israel continue to strengthen through agreements, technical exchanges, and a growing trade flow, according to Talor Shamash, First Secretary, Deputy Head of Mission, and Consul at the Embassy of Israel in Paraguay.
The statements were made on the program “Tribuna,” broadcast by Paraguay TV, where the diplomatic representative discussed the current state and future prospects of the relationship between the two countries.
A “very strong” and longstanding relationship
Shamash described the bilateral relationship as “very good and strong” and emphasized that Paraguay has maintained a longstanding relationship with Israel since 1948, when it recognized the State of Israel.
In that context, she praised the recent decision to move the Paraguayan Embassy to Jerusalem, as well as President Santiago Peña’s visit to that country in December 2024. The diplomat expressed her gratitude for the support of the Paraguayan government and people, whom she described as close.
“Israel and Paraguay are more than friends; we are sister nations,” she stated.
Profile of the diplomat and her experience in Paraguay
During the interview, Shamash also shared aspects of her personal background. She noted that she was born and raised in Israel, near Tel Aviv, studied economics, and worked in journalism before beginning her diplomatic career.
She also indicated that she completed five years of service in the Israeli army, in a country where military service is mandatory, and that she has resided in Paraguay for a year and a half, which constitutes her first diplomatic mission.
The official expressed a positive assessment of her experience in the country, highlighting the hospitality of the people and the environment, while also emphasizing the quality of Paraguayan beef, which she described as “the best in the world.”
Agreements, security, and institutional cooperation
Regarding cooperation, the diplomat reported that seven agreements had been signed in the last year and a half in areas such as education, innovation, technology, security, and inter-institutional cooperation.
She also announced that a new cybersecurity agreement with the country’s technology authorities would be finalized in the coming weeks.
She further emphasized the importance of the Paraguayan government’s decision to designate Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as terrorist organizations, noting that this is a significant measure not only for Israel but also for international security.
Training and knowledge transfer
One of the central pillars of the bilateral relationship is human resource development. Shamash reported that in 2025, approximately 70 Paraguayans were sent to Israel for training in areas such as agriculture, water management, innovation, women’s leadership, and trauma care.
These initiatives are supported by MASHAV, which also facilitates the arrival of experts to the country to support project development and provide technical assistance across various regions.
In this context, she mentioned the recent implementation of a family irrigation system in Caaguazú, as well as the presence of specialists traveling throughout the country to assess opportunities for cooperation.
She also highlighted a recent symbolic gesture: the naming of a square in Jerusalem after Paraguay, in recognition of the friendship between the two countries.
Trade and economic outlook
Talor Shamash, First Secretary, Deputy Head of Mission, and Consul at the Embassy of Israel in Paraguay.
In the economic sphere, the diplomat emphasized Israel’s position as one of the main markets for Paraguayan beef.
She noted that in 2025, Israel was the fourth largest buyer, with exports totaling approximately $225 million, and projected that in 2026 the figure will exceed $300 million, especially in the kosher meat segment.
She also indicated that seven of Paraguay’s nine meatpacking plants have the capacity to produce under kosher standards, which strengthens the country’s competitiveness in that market.
The diplomatic representative also mentioned meetings with economic stakeholders, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Paraguayan Industrial Union (UIP), and the Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP), demonstrating a growing interest in investment and economic cooperation.
Projections and challenges
Finally, Shamash noted that, despite the current positive state of bilateral relations, the goal is to continue expanding ties through more agreements, official visits, and training programs.
Regarding scholarships, he acknowledged that they currently face limitations due to the international situation, which is affecting air connectivity, although he expressed his expectation that these programs will return to normal in the future.
“The goal is to do more,” she concluded, reaffirming the commitment to continue promoting initiatives that benefit joint development and strengthen ties between the two nations.
