《TAIPEI TIMES》Leaders tout Taiwan-Guatemala relations

Guatemalan Congress President Luis Alberto Contreras Colindres, left, and President William Lai shake hands at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

By Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNA “Guatemala and Taiwan will always remain steadfast friends,” Guatemalan Congress President Luis Alberto Contreras Colindres said yesterday during a meeting with President William Lai （賴清德） at the Presidential Office.

Taiwan is an exemplary nation when it comes to societal development, innovation and economic growth, and time and again proves that determination, vision and hard work can achieve remarkable results, said Contreras — who is leading a delegation of Guatemalan lawmakers — as he reaffirmed the two countries’ strong ties.

For two consecutive years, Guatemalan exports to Taiwan have reached US$130 million, with the country becoming Taiwan’s largest supplier of sugar and fourth-largest supplier of coffee, Lai said.

Guatemala has steadily advanced its Chip Road Project national development plan, and boosted economic and trade ties with Taiwan following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on semiconductor cooperation, Lai said.

This is the first time that Contreras or members of the Guatemalan congress have visited Taiwan, he said, adding that he hoped they better understand the country.

He thanked the delegation for advancing parliamentary exchanges and showing the international community the deep friendship between their two nations.

Taiwan and Guatemala have furthered cooperation in the past few years on issues from medical care to industrial development to economic trade, all of which have produced significant results, Lai said.

In June last year, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo visited Taiwan, when he and Lai reaffirmed the two countries’ ties and signed a letter of intent to further semiconductor cooperation.

They also jointly witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment.

Taiwan will encourage more Taiwanese companies to use Guatemala as a base for entering markets in Latin America, as stronger ties would bring more business opportunities for both sides, Lai said yesterday.

He thanked Contreras for signing a resolution in May in support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as the UN and the WHO.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES