President William Lai (賴清德) met with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo at the Presidential Office in Taipei with full military honors.
The two signed agreements, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would boost cooperation in the semiconductor field to increase Guatemala’s microchip capabilities and an MOU to establish a framework for political consultations, which would ensure regular, strategic coordination on key issues.
The two countries would continue to build a mutually beneficial partnership in the face of mounting global challenges, Lai said, adding that the agreements would create new opportunities for cooperation.
Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office
Arevalo, accompanied by his wife, and foreign and economic ministers, arrived in Taiwan yesterday, his first visit to the nation since taking office last year.
Last year also marked the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala, one of Taiwan’s 12 UN-recognized diplomatic allies.
"Our two countries are geographically distant, but the ideals and values of the two peoples are closely intertwined," Lai said, adding that the long-standing partnership reflects their shared commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights.
Ties have grown closer in the past few years, bringing a multitude of successes as cooperation expanded and diversified in the fields of health and sanitation, education and culture, science and technology and economic trade, he said.
Taiwan would continue to work closely with Guatemala to provide youth exchange programs and scholarships to foster exceptional talent in science, technology and communications, he added.
Lai encouraged Taiwanese businesses to invest in Guatemala and utilize its strategic location, natural resources and strong workforce to improve supply chain resilience and promote bilateral relations.
The delegation is to visit Hsinchu Science Park and the headquarters of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co this week.
Guatemala last month sent a mission of 28 engineers to Taiwan for a three-week intensive training program in semiconductors.
This week's visit reaffirms the two nations’ close ties and marks “a new level” in the bilateral relationship focused on expanding economic cooperation, solidifying an economic trade partnership and investing in educational opportunities for the citizens of both countries, Arevalo said.
"On behalf of the people of Guatemala, I extend our hand to the people of Taiwan with the confidence that we will walk together along the path toward shared well-being, which we will make more profound and more comprehensive today," he said.
Additional reporting by Reuters
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