Congress and Senate President Silvio Adalberto Ovelar Benitez of the Republic of Paraguay, a South American ally of Taiwan, led a delegation to Taiwan at the latter’s invitation, strengthening the friendship between the two countries and demonstrating the unwavering support of this democratic partner for Taiwan. On April 18th, under the arrangement of Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chi-Mai, the delegation embarked on a cultural cruise to explore the latest development and construction in the Asia New Bay Area. Mayor Chen warmly welcomed the Paraguayan guests, inviting them to experience the unique scenery and charm of Kaohsiung during their first visit to the port city. He remarked that as one of Taiwan’s major cities, Kaohsiung is committed to supporting the nation’s diplomatic efforts through proactive city-level interactions with the international community, working closely with the central government to strengthen ties with its allies.
As a steadfast ally of Taiwan, Paraguay has consistently advocated for Taiwan’s participation in the international community, playing a vital role in enhancing Taiwan’s global visibility. President Ovelar, accompanied by Hermelinda Alvarenga, the Second Vice President of the Paraguayan Senate, and Senator Pedro Alejandro Diaz, made their first visit to Kaohsiung on the 17th and 18th. During their stay, they toured the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and embarked on a cultural cruise to explore the history and development of the Port of Kaohsiung.
With the organization of the city government, the delegation took a cultural cruise, where they viewed landmarks such as the Great Harbor Bridge, Kaohsiung Music Center, Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, and Pier-2 Art Center. They listened to an introduction of how Kaohsiung has evolved into Taiwan’s most internationalized port city through ongoing harbor transformation and development. The delegation expressed admiration for Kaohsiung’s urban development and city planning, leaving deeply impressed by the innovation of the Asia New Bay Area and the city’s rich cultural atmosphere.
Secretary-General Kuo Tien-Kuei of Kaohsiung City Government presented President Ovelar with a flipping-character ceramic plate, which cleverly displays the Chinese characters for “Kaohsiung” and “Ocean” when viewed from different angles. To create lasting memories of this maritime city visit for the delegation, the city government also prepared an assortment of local specialties, including pineapple and lychee cakes, Tauyuan native mountain tea, local dried fruits, and cold brew tea for the guests to enjoy during their cruise. The city government expressed its heartfelt hope that the delegation would visit Kaohsiung again in the future.