TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Guatemala’s Congress remains a loyal friend of Taiwan and supports deeper cooperation between the two allies, Guatemalan Congress President Luis Alberto Contreras Colindres said Wednesday.
Speaking during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Contreras said his visit marked an important step in strengthening friendship and cooperation. He said Guatemala’s Congress deeply values its strong relationship with Taiwan.
“Taiwan is an example to the world in social development, innovation, and economic growth,” Contreras said. He said Taiwan has shown that determination, vision, and hard work can lead to major achievements.
Contreras thanked Taipei for supporting projects to modernize its Congress. He said the projects have strengthened democratic institutions and improved the Congress’s ability to serve the Guatemalan people.
Lai said Taiwan and Guatemala have built strong cooperation in healthcare, industry, trade, and investment. The president said the two countries are “brother nations” and have continued to support each other internationally.
“Taiwan will encourage more Taiwanese companies to use Guatemala as a base for entering markets in the Americas,” Lai said. He said stronger business ties would help both countries create more opportunities.
Guatemala is promoting its “Chip Road” national development plan. Lai noted that Taiwan and Guatemala also signed a semiconductor cooperation agreement during Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo’s visit to Taiwan in June last year.
Lai said Guatemala’s exports to Taiwan have reached US$130 million (NT$4.2 billion) for two straight years. He pointed out that Guatemala is now Taiwan’s largest sugar supplier and fourth-largest coffee supplier.
