Paraguay and United States Sign Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement Under Section 123 Framework

The United States and Paraguay formalized a memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear cooperation during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington on August 4, 2026. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez signed the agreement, with Vice President Pedro Alliana in attendance. The accord, known internationally as a “123 Agreement” in reference to Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, authorizes the transfer of civil nuclear technology while requiring adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency standards and prohibiting military applications of transferred materials.

More than 25 countries have executed similar agreements with Washington, including regional partners Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil. The framework grants Paraguay access to technical training, knowledge exchange, and nuclear technology for energy generation and scientific development. The Paraguayan government emphasized that the agreement supports diversification of the country’s energy matrix and addresses future energy security requirements through innovation and sustainable development.

Rubio characterized the bilateral relationship growth over the past 18 months as “incredible” and stated the objective extends beyond current administrations to establish a permanent strategic partnership resilient to future political transitions. The Secretary of State noted that cooperation encompasses not only bilateral security matters but regional challenges including transnational crime and terrorism. Paraguay’s Foreign Ministry stated both nations affirm commitment to international development and peaceful nuclear energy use, recognizing the technology’s potential role in meeting energy needs.

The nuclear cooperation agreement follows the December 2025 signing of a Status of Forces Agreement that establishes parameters for security cooperation and grants U.S. military personnel immunities similar to diplomatic mission staff. During the Washington visit, Rubio held a telephone conversation with President Santiago Peña focusing on bilateral agenda items and Venezuela’s democratic transition. The State Department reported both leaders emphasized that sustained regional unity and coordination would prove important for advancing the situation in Venezuela.

The nuclear memorandum represents Paraguay’s alignment with U.S. policy priorities under the Trump administration’s energy agenda, which positions nuclear power as central to national energy security and dominance objectives. The agreement provides Paraguay with pathways to develop nuclear capacity while the United States secures oversight rights to monitor nuclear material usage and prevent military applications.