Asunción

25 February 2015

Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara, President of Paraguay

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Horacio Cartes, President of Paraguay.  The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Paraguay’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, especially in Haiti. 

The Secretary-General commended Paraguay’s progress in achieving the MDGs, especially in the area of poverty reduction.  He welcomed Paraguay’s efforts to counter illicit drug production and trafficking and encouraged Paraguay to actively participate in the preparations leading to the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session on the world drug problem. 

The Secretary-General congratulated Paraguay on its election to the Human Rights Council.  He expressed confidence that Paraguay will address the rights of indigenous peoples to land and to prior consultation on development projects.

The Secretary-General also encouraged Paraguay to share its positive experience in developing renewable energy sources.