Paraguayan President Santiago Peña was hospitalised on Monday while attending the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after experiencing a health issue described as a “malaise.”

Authorities confirmed that Peña, 46, was transported to Samaritano Hospital in the Botafogo neighbourhood, where he underwent diagnostic tests. A medical bulletin later stated that his condition was stable.

“The head of state is doing well, and his current state of health is stable,” the hospital noted.

Witnesses reported seeing Peña transported from the summit venue by ambulance. Some media outlets speculated he may have experienced chest pains, but this remains unconfirmed.

Vice President Pedro Alliana reassured the public on social media, saying, “I spoke with President Peña… He is doing well and awaiting the results of medical tests.”

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Despite Paraguay’s non-member status in the G20, Peña had been invited to the summit by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Before falling ill, Peña had been actively engaging with world leaders on Paraguay’s economic challenges and strategies to reduce poverty.

This incident underscores the high-pressure environment of international summits, with Peña expected to recover fully and resume his duties soon.

The Group of 20 also known as G20, is a bloc of 19 of the world’s largest economies and the European Union. The African Union also joined in 2023.

The member countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkiye, the UK and US. Spain is part of the G20 as a permanent guest.