Visiting Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario Bucaro yesterday said his trip is aimed at showcasing his country’s commitment to Taiwan amid increased tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Bucaro, who assumed office as the Central American nation’s top diplomat in February, said the two longtime diplomatic allies share the values of democracy, freedom and respect for sovereignty.
“It is not a coincidence that this visit occurs during sensitive times in the region, as this visit serves as the strongest example of the commitment of the Republic of Guatemala to continue our support of Taiwan despite any challenge or threat,” he said.
Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs / EPA-EFE
He was referring to Beijing’s increased military coercion after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 19-hour visit to Taiwan on Aug. 2 and 3, the first such trip by a sitting House speaker since 1997.
In response, Beijing launched live-fire military drills in six maritime zones around Taiwan from Aug. 4 to 7. The People’s Liberation Army later extended the drills, with smaller operations concluding on Aug. 10.
Aside from reiterating Guatemala’s commitment to supporting Taiwan diplomatically, Bucaro thanked Taipei for assisting his country during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as offering assistance in fields such as education, technology and innovation.
He said he was excited to officially establish a bilateral diplomat training and exchange program during his visit, which would mark “another milestone in our bilateral relations and will serve as a platform to further nourish the diplomatic ties of both countries.”
“To the Taiwanese government and general population, in Guatemala you will always find a supporting friend. May our long-lasting relationship, grounded in common ideals and values, see many more years to come,” he said.
The visit is Bucaro’s first trip to the country, and he plans to meet with high-ranking officials, including President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Bucaro and his delegation would also visit the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the National Defense University — where several Guatemalan cadets are studying — and the National Palace Museum, the ministry said.
They would head south to Kaohsiung Software Park (高雄軟體園區) before concluding their visit and leaving Taiwan on Friday, it said.
Bucaro’s visit comes two months after Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei pledged to maintain ties with Taipei, amid increasing efforts by Beijing to poach Taiwan’s 14 remaining diplomatic allies.
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