Tsai eyes expanded Taiwan-Guatemala cooperation, exchanges
2019/05/06
President Tsai Ing-wen said the government will ramp up Taiwan-Guatemala cooperation and exchanges as part of efforts to further deepen friendship and relations between the countries.
Bilateral ties are going from strength to strength, Tsai said. This is illustrated by the number of successful joint projects in areas spanning education, infrastructure, medicine, public health and technology, she added.
According to Tsai, one outstanding example is Taiwan’s commitment to working with partners like the Central American Bank for Economic Integration on combating coffee leaf rust in Guatemala. The crop is a key agricultural product for the Latin American country, and no stone will be left unturned in ensuring it remains a strong source of export earnings, she said.
Tsai made the remarks during the April 30 to May 3 state visit to Taiwan by Guatemala President Jimmy Morales and first lady Hilda Patricia Marroquin de Morales.
The presidential couple has had an informative, productive and rewarding trip. Highlights include a meeting with Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu upon arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport; a military honor guard welcome and state banquet at the Presidential Office; and talks with Tsai on strengthening relations.
During the banquet, Morales praised Taiwan as a beacon of freedom, democracy and human rights. He also thanked the country for supporting Guatemala and serving as a world-class model of national development.
The people of Guatemala are honored by Taiwan’s generosity and cherish its assistance, Morales said, adding that he is confident the decadeslong friendship will remain close.
Other activities on the presidential couple’s itinerary include meeting with Legislative Yuan President Su Jia-chyuan and touring several major cultural sites and medical facilities such as National Palace Museum, National Taiwan University Hospital and Taipei 101.
Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)
