President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China met with the President of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, on the 16th and warmly welcomed his first visit to Taiwan since taking office in January. Ramos reiterated the strong and loyal friendship between the two countries, emphasizing the enduring bond of friendship. He personally presented the resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, which was passed by the Guatemalan Congress in May, to President Tsai.
In his speech, President Tsai expressed a warm welcome on behalf of Taiwan to President Ramos and his delegation, which included members of the parliamentary leadership and representatives from the ruling party. She expressed concern and sympathy for the recent heavy rain disasters in Guatemala and reassured continued support and assistance from Taiwan while hoping for the swift recovery of the affected communities.
President Tsai emphasized, “Guatemala is a steadfast ally of Taiwan. Not only do we share universal values such as freedom and democracy, but we are also countries that cherish peace. The Guatemalan Congress has consistently supported Taiwan’s international participation through resolutions over the years. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Ramos and our friends in the Guatemalan Congress for his visit to Taiwan shortly after taking office in January.”
“President Ramos has held key positions in the Guatemalan government before assuming the role of Congress President, demonstrating his rich experience in public service. I believe that through the close cooperation between President Ramos and visiting dignitaries, the Guatemalan Congress will continue to lead the country towards prosperity, creating more well-being for the people,” President Tsai said.
President Tsai looks forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields between Taiwan and Guatemala with the support of President Ramos and all the visiting dignitaries, aiming to further strengthen the bilateral friendship. This year, Taiwan has sent delegations to Guatemala for procurement and exploration purposes, including members from textile, coffee, seafood, and circular economy industries, seeking opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, starting this year, Taiwan’s high-speed rail has begun selling high-quality coffee sourced from Guatemalan smallholder farmers, allowing more Taiwanese people to appreciate Guatemala’s coffee excellence.
“We firmly believe that Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to advance hand in hand on the path of growth. As long as the two countries work together with unity, there are no challenges we cannot overcome. Once again, I welcome President Ramos and all the visiting dignitaries, showcasing the deep friendship between our two nations, and I extend my best wishes for a successful and fruitful visit,” President Tsai concluded.
In his remarks, President Ramos, representing the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from President Tsai and conveyed their happiness to visit Taiwan by invitation. He congratulated President Tsai on assuming the role of head of state, believing that under her leadership, Taiwan will continue to receive recognition and approval from the international community in its path of prosperity and democracy. President Tsai’s rich political experience, as a former central government official, legislator, and mayor of Tainan, demonstrates not only her leadership as a seasoned politician, but also her strong backing of medical expertise and compassionate care.
President Ramos expressed admiration for Taiwan’s successful development experiences and its support in enhancing Guatemala’s capacities in various sectors such as education, health, technology, and economic and trade fields. Taiwan has provided economic cooperation to assist in the prosperous development of Guatemala in social, economic, and political aspects. Through this visit, they have the opportunity to experience Taiwanese culture, feel the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people, and witness Taiwan’s progress and growth in social and economic spheres.
“Guatemala values deeply the cooperation with the Taiwan government and its people. In the field of education, Taiwan selflessly provides assistance to Guatemala, making education a fundamental and priority aspect of Taiwan-Guatemala cooperation. In terms of healthcare, Taiwan is Guatemala’s most loyal ally, offering a helping hand in times of difficulty. Guatemala highly appreciates Taiwan’s progress and development in medical technology. Therefore, in May, the Guatemalan Congress approved a resolution to affirm Taiwan’s dedication to the healthcare sector, benefiting not only the Taiwanese people but also showing willingness to contribute to global health,” President Ramos stated.
President Ramos mentioned that the Guatemalan Congress wrote a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretariat this year, supporting Taiwan’s participation as an observer in the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) and various meetings, mechanisms, and activities of the WHO, contributing to the health of Taiwan and global human well-being.
In terms of infrastructure, Taiwan supports Guatemala in road construction projects that promote national development strategically linking highway systems with ports, thus contributing significantly to Guatemala’s economic growth and industrial productivity. In agricultural development, Taiwan has supported Guatemala for years in enhancing agricultural technological capabilities, assisting farmers in improving crops such as coffee, papaya, and bamboo.
“The Taiwan government and people are always there for Guatemala, particularly during natural disasters, the onslaught of COVID-19, and countless emergencies. Taiwan, a brotherly ally, always extends a timely and unconditional helping hand to Guatemala,” President Ramos remarked.
President Ramos stated that Taiwan has offered numerous cooperative programs benefiting the Guatemalan people. On behalf of the highest legislative body in Guatemala, he reiterated the strong and loyal friendship between Taiwan and Guatemala, emphasizing the enduring cooperation, mutual benefit, and lasting friendship. The people and government of Guatemala will forever be grateful to the people and government of Taiwan. The visit of the Guatemalan congressional delegation reaffirms their commitment, with Taiwan always holding the most important place in their hearts, ensuring the enduring Taiwan-Guatemala friendship.
In conclusion, President Ramos, on behalf of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, personally presented to President Tsai the resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, passed by the Guatemalan Congress in May, commemorating the steadfast friendship between Taiwan and Guatemala.