Venezuela, Paraguay agree to boost bilateral economic ties

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his Paraguayan counterpart Horacio Cartes agreed on Tuesday to strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two countries.
Following his meeting with Cartes, on the sidelines of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) presidential summit in Caracas, Maduro said the two leaders have agreed to enhance financial cooperation and vowed to produce positive results as soon as possible.
"We wish to build economic relations that can be a strong base for solid relations between our peoples and leaders," said Maduro. He also said the two sides will meet soon to explore commercial possibilities involving public and private enterprises.
Thanking the Venezuelan government and its people for the warm welcome extended to him, Cartes said he was confident that Venezuela-Paraguay relationship will return to its highest level.
"Our commitment with the people is to bring close two nations with great history. We have that great opportunity now," Cartes said.
The bilateral economic and commercial ties have been cut off since 2012 after a parliamentary coup ousted the former Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo.