Paraguay president arrives in Israel to inaugurate Jerusalem embassy

Paraguay’s President Horacio Cartes arrived in Israel yesterday to inaugurate his country’s new embassy in Jerusalem today.

The move comes after the recent high-profile relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision also replicated by Guatemala.

Cartes was welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport in person by Israeli minister Gilad Erdan, who told him:

“I thank you on behalf of the State of Israel for your decision to move the Paraguay Embassy to Jerusalem. The decision demonstrates the depth of our ties and constitutes further strengthening of our sovereignty in Jerusalem.”

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Erdan continued: “President Cartes’ decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem is an important move that recognises Israel’s right to determine its own capital. He joins the US and Guatemala, and I have no doubt other countries will follow suit.”

According to Erdan, “the recognition of Jerusalem represents a change in the world diplomatic map: More and more countries support our positions and wish to bolster ties with us.”

“In recent years, Paraguay has proven with a series of courageous decisions that it is a true friend. I praise the president for his support of Israel and his leadership.”

Cartes announced the decision to relocate the embassy earlier this month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that “at least half a dozen” countries are “seriously discussing” following the US lead in relocating embassies to Jerusalem, though he did not name them.