August 6, 2024
No. 256
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Julio Eduardo Orozco Pérez of Guatemala in the morning of August 5. The two exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including bilateral industrial, economic, and trade exchanges and several cooperation projects.
Minister Lin pointed out that the Taiwan government was drawing up cooperation initiatives in line with the policy priorities of Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo. These included promoting Taiwanese investments in textile and circular economy supply chains in Guatemala, introducing smart technology to further enhance Guatemala’s agricultural production environment, and establishing a bilateral carbon trading system. Minister Lin noted that all this would expedite reciprocal, mutually beneficial, and strategic arrangements for the private sectors of Taiwan and Guatemala. He also thanked the government of Guatemala for backing Taiwan’s efforts to participate in the World Health Assembly and other international organizations.
Vice Minister Orozco conveyed the staunch and resolute support of President Arévalo and Foreign Minister Carlos Martínez for the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Guatemala. In addition, he expressed his appreciation to Minister Lin for actively assisting the Guatemalan government in countering China’s economic coercion in May, as well as his anticipation that the cordial relations between Taiwan and Guatemala would be further strengthened through economic and trade exchanges and talent cultivation.
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Remus Li-kuo Chen hosted a luncheon for Vice Minister Orozco that same day. He stressed that the positive cooperation experience the two countries had developed in the restoration of historic sites and cultural exchanges should be continued and further deepened. Vice Minister Orozco thanked the Taiwan government for helping to promote quality Guatemalan agricultural products at the Taipei International Food Show. He also exchanged views with other attendees on niche markets for Taiwanese and Guatemalan businesses. After learning that Taiwan’s badminton team won an Olympic gold medal the previous day, Vice Minister Orozco shared with Vice Minister Chen that his country won its first-ever Olympic gold this year. He also expressed the hope that the 90-year diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Guatemala would continue to make their peoples proud.
This was Vice Minister Orozco’s second visit to Taiwan, underlining his staunch support for Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs looks forward to advancing relations with Guatemala on the existing robust foundation. (E)
