TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Guatemala Deputy Transportation Minister Jose Fernando Suriano has arrived in Taiwan to visit the Smart City Summit & Expo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.
Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) hosted a luncheon for his five-member delegation Monday, the ministry said in a statement. In his speech, Chen emphasized the 92 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo valued projects realized with assistance from Taiwan, including renovation work at Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport and the widening of the CA-9 highway linking the country’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts, Chen said. He added that Guatemala had become Taiwan’s fourth-largest coffee supplier, showing the close economic and trade links between the two. The ministry is also promoting investment in Guatemala by the electric bus sector.
Chen noted that Suriano had spoken out in favor of Taiwan’s participation in the global community at last year’s assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Guatemalan minister expressed interest in Taiwan’s experience with smart transportation and sustainable development. During his March 15–20 stay, he is also scheduled to visit the Ministry of Transportation, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, and Taiwan International Ports Corporation.
