Guatemala will continue its support for Taiwan through concrete action, Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martinez said on Wednesday at an event in Guatemala City to mark 90 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Taiwan was represented by Ambassador to Guatemala Vivia Chang (張俊菲) at the event at the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Republic of China (ROC) and Guatemala established diplomatic relations in 1934, with Taiwan establishing its first consulate general there in 1935, followed by a foreign legation in 1954 and an embassy in October 1960, Martinez said.
Photo: CNA
On Sept. 22, 2005, Taiwan and Guatemala signed a free-trade agreement, which took effect on July 1, 2006, he said.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for technical cooperation on Oct. 31 last year, a basic Taiwan-Guatemala cooperation agreement in April last year and an agreement of mutual recognition in May 2021, Martinez said.
The agreements are the foundation for greater bilateral economic trade, provide opportunities for Guatemala’s exports and establish strategic partnerships across industries, he said.
Martinez thanked Taiwan for its support in education, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors.
Taiwan is not only a partner, but also a strategic investor in Guatemala’s economy, promoting growth in areas such as manufacturing, ecology and trade, Martinez said.
Taiwan and Guatemala’s 90 years of diplomatic ties have developed a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership, Martinez said, adding that Guatemala would continue to be a strong supporter of Taiwan.
Ninety is more than just a number — it represents a deep friendship and shared vision, Chang said.
Taiwan thanked Guatemala for supporting its admission to international organizations such as the WHO, the UN, this year’s UN Climate Change Conference and Interpol, she said.
Taiwan wants to support more bilateral cooperation with Guatemala, she said.
This year more than 60 Taiwanese firms visited the Central American nation to look for opportunities for collaboration in industries including coffee and textiles, she said.
More than 525 students from Guatemala have received vocational training in Taiwan or participated in exchange programs, adding to the bilateral friendship, she said.
Traditional dancers organized by the Guatemala Institute of Tourism, a lion dance organized by the Taipei-based Overseas Chinese Association and a group of local students singing Tian Mi Mi (甜蜜蜜) and The Moon Represents My Heart (月亮代表我的心) performed at the event.
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