TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Friday bestowed Taiwan’s highest honor on visiting Paraguay President Santiago Pena Palacios while the two countries signed several accords.

During the ceremony awarding the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon to Pena, Lai said the president of Paraguay had spoken out in support of Taiwan at international events on numerous occasions. Lai added that Pena’s solid support had moved the people of Taiwan, per CNA.

The president said Taiwan and Paraguay will stand together to face the uncertainties of the current global situation. The bilateral friendship should also show results in the daily lives of nationals of both countries, Lai said.

As the two countries will mark 69 years of official diplomatic relations in July, Pena said Paraguay will continue to stand by Taiwan. The Latin American ally will continue to speak out in favor of Taiwan’s role in the international community of democracies, Pena promised.

The two countries also signed three bilateral accords Friday. Memorandums of understanding focused on investment in the launch of a sovereign AI computing center in Paraguay and on cybersecurity cooperation, CNA reported.

Taiwan and its ally also signed a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases. Earlier, Lai said Taiwan will allow imports of poultry from Paraguay.