British Ambassador to Paraguay Bows Out After Three Years of Strengthening Ties
Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Paraguay, Mr Matthew Hedges, is set to finish his mission this August, wrapping up a three-year stint at the British Embassy in Asuncion that began in August 2017.
New Leadership Takes Over at British Embassy
Deputy Head of Mission John Davie, who arrived in June, will step in as Chargé d’Affaires during the transition. An official announcement of Mr Hedges’ replacement is expected any day now.
Boosting UK-Paraguay Relations
During his tenure, Mr Hedges was a powerhouse in expanding commercial links between the UK and Paraguay. He championed expert exchanges and encouraged business leaders on both sides to ramp up cooperation.
Education and defence ties flourished under his watch. Notably, the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst reopened its scholarship programme for Paraguayan officers. Meanwhile, the BECAL and Chevening schemes teamed up to provide more scholarships to Paraguayans.
Championing Social Causes and Support
The embassy also backed projects boosting media freedom, transparency, women’s rights against violence, and LGBTQI+ community protections. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Hedges led efforts to aid British nationals in Paraguay, guiding them through the crisis.
“These have been an extraordinary three years in which I have found a new home, a passion for Jopara and mbeju, and a deep connection with the people and land of Paraguay,” said Mr Hedges.
“Paraguay and the UK have much to offer each other in business, education, tackling global challenges like climate change, and shared values. This work will continue after I leave, through my excellent embassy colleagues and successor, who is due to arrive in a few months.”
After Paraguay, Mr Hedges will take up a new role as Director for Asia at the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in London.
