Ramallah, July 20 (RHC)-- The Palestine Liberation Organization has slammed the Paraguayan head of state for visiting the Old City of Jerusalem in occupied Palestinian territories as part of his diplomatic agenda in Israel. 

Paraguay and Israel are looking to expand economic and cultural cooperation, particularly in technology and agriculture.  According to reports, Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes was looking to strengthen ties with Israel during the final day of his three-day visit with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In addition to addressing economic, social and cultural cooperation with Netanyahu, Cartes also met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin to discuss agreements on technology, agriculture and education.

The Jerusalem Post called Cartes a “rare ally in South America,” along with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.  Cartes lauded “an exciting and historic time” for both countries and welcomed the broadened cooperation. 

In recent years, Paraguayan officials have heralded the South American country as the entry point for Israeli technology in Latin America, while Israeli politicians have hailed its “favorable” tax system and “stable business environment.”