President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios are set to hold a meeting today, May 11, at Malacañang, with the goal of further strengthening relations between the Philippines and Paraguay at the center of the talks.

Particular focus will be given to cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Earlier, the Paraguayan President was given arrival honors at the Palace grounds. President Marcos personally welcomed President Palacios at Malacañang.

After the signing of the guest book, the two leaders immediately held a bilateral meeting.

Joining the meeting were Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and Philippine Ambassador to Buenos Aires Grace Cruz-Fabella. Also present were their counterparts from Paraguay.

The public will have to wait for the results of the meeting later.

President Palacios is the first Paraguayan Chief Executive to visit the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on December 12, 1962.