The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez. The Secretary reiterated U.S. support for the Paraguayan people as they struggle with the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic and outlined our efforts to help. He underscored the importance of free expression, peaceful demonstration, and the rule of law in democratic societies, and condemned recent acts of violence. The Secretary stressed the importance of continuing to work with democratic regional and global partners, including Taiwan, to overcome this global pandemic, combat corruption, and increase transparency and accountability.