Paraguay Paraguay-India | Page 14

paraguay FIRST EVER VISIT OF AN INDIAN VICE PRESIDENT TO PARAGUAY Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu arrives in Asuncion I Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu meets Mario Abdo Benitez, President of Paraguay in Asuncion (March 06, 2019) ndian Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited Paraguay from 5th-7th March 2019. Vice President Naidu had a meeting with the President of Paraguay, H.E. Mario Abdo Benitez and Vice President H.E. Hugo Velazquez. Vice President also had a meeting with the President of the National Congress (Senate), H.E. Silvio Ovelar. This was the fi rst high-level visit from India to Paraguay since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1961. The meetings were warm and friendly and there was a commit- ment from both sides to strengthen and deepen ties. President Abdo recalled his visit to India about 25 years ago as a student, of which he had very fond memories. As democracies, having a similar demographic profi le with youth forming more than 65 percent of their respective populations, India and Paraguay have similar aspirations as well as the need for imparting requisite skills to their youth. Both sides agreed to share experiences in this area. Vice President Naidu briefed about the terrorist attack that had taken place in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. The President and Vice President of Paraguay strongly condemned the terrorist attack and conveyed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Pulwama. They stated that Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu unveils commemorative stamps issued by Government of Paraguay on the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in Asuncion during his visit to Paraguay (March 06, 2019) Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu with Hugo Velazquez, Vice President of Paraguay in Asuncion (March 06, 2019) 14 • PARAGUAY 2019