President Federico Franco (l) receives a key to the city from Mayor Jim Cason. Photo courtesy of city of Coral Gables

The president of Paraguay, Federico Franco, recently visited Coral Gables City Hall.

President Franco met with Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason, a career diplomat who was a U.S. Foreign Services officer for more than 40 years, including serving as U.S. ambassador to Paraguay from 2006 to 2008.

The South American dignitary was in town to meet with oil company officials and discuss ongoing oil exploration in his native country, which currently does not produce petroleum.

While in Paraguay, Mayor Cason learned the local language and recorded an album in which he sings Paraguayan folk songs in Guaraní.

The United States and Paraguay have an extensive relationship and are united by common democratic values.