Taipei: Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo reaffirmed his nation’s enduring support for Taiwan during an official visit to the island on Thursday, calling the Taiwanese people “brothers” and pledging to walk together on a shared path of prosperity.
Guatemala remains one of only 12 countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, as Beijing continues to pressure nations to shift allegiance to the People’s Republic of China. Despite China’s claims over Taiwan, Taipei insists on its sovereign right to establish state-to-state relations, rejecting Beijing’s interference.
During his first trip to Taiwan since assuming office last year, President Arévalo was warmly welcomed by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te at the presidential office in Taipei. In a symbolic and heartfelt speech, Arévalo underscored the longstanding relationship between the two sides.
“We thank our ally for the support we have always received over these more than 90 years. We reaffirm the support of the Republic of Guatemala for the Republic of China, Taiwan,” said Arévalo. “On behalf of the people of Guatemala, I extend our hand to the people of Taiwan with the confidence that we will walk together along the path toward shared well-being, which we will make more profound and more comprehensive today.”
Arévalo is accompanied by senior Guatemalan officials, including his foreign and economics ministers, highlighting the significance of the visit.
Also Read | Baghdad Points Finger at Erbil Over Disputed Oil Shipments
Standing beside his Guatemalan counterpart, President Lai praised the relationship and expressed hope for even deeper ties between the two democracies.
“Although our two countries are geographically distant, the ideals and values of the two peoples are closely intertwined,” said Lai. “Taiwan and Guatemala will keep deepening their cooperation.”
Also Read | The Annual Hajj Pilgrimage Begins in Saudi Arabia, Drawing Millions
The visit comes amid growing geopolitical tension over Taiwan’s dwindling number of allies, a concern shared by the United States. Washington has closely monitored Beijing’s influence campaign in Latin America. In February, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Guatemala’s commitment to Taipei during a visit, affirming that the U.S. would support Guatemala in maintaining those diplomatic ties.
In 2023, then-Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited Guatemala shortly after neighboring Honduras switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, underscoring the strategic importance of Guatemala in Taiwan’s foreign policy.
