The presidents of Paraguay and Taiwan have agreed on efforts to maintain and strengthen bilateral ties. Paraguay is Taiwan's only remaining diplomatic partner in South America.

The meeting in Taipei between Mario Abdo Benitez of Paraguay and Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen comes as China is increasing its influence in Latin America.

Tsai held a welcome ceremony for Abdo Benitez at the presidential office on Thursday.

Tsai said she hopes his visit will help the two sides to continue cooperation and establish post-pandemic economic prosperity.

Abdo Benitez expressed gratitude for the technical cooperation and medical assistance provided by Taiwan.

He said Paraguay and Taiwan are required, more than ever before, to continue efforts to strengthen cooperative ties when the international situation is unstable.

An opposition candidate in Paraguay's presidential election in April, Efrain Alegre, said in a Reuters interview in January that he would break diplomatic ties with Taiwan and open relations with China if he wins.

Abdo Benitez is not running in the election. Taiwan's ties with Paraguay may face uncertainties as China uses its economic clout to ramp up influence in Central and South America.