Taipei: Guatemala held a reception in Taipei on Monday to celebrate its 204th Independence Day, during which it unveiled an art exhibit featuring a Guatemalan artist's paintings. Speaking at the reception, Guatemala's ambassador to Taiwan Luis Raºl Est©vez L³pez highlighted the significance of September 15, 1821, when the Guatemalan people declared independence from the Kingdom of Spain.
According to Focus Taiwan, Est©vez remarked on the challenges Guatemala has faced over the years, evolving into a democracy and becoming a major exporter of coffee, sugar, bananas, plastic materials, edible fats, and oils. The ambassador also emphasized Guatemala's current efforts to integrate into the global semiconductor supply chain with assistance from Taiwan, the United States, and Japan.
Speaking on behalf of Taiwan's government, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi praised the strong diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala, which have been based on shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law since their establishment in 1934. He noted the recent visits of Guatemalan President Bernardo Ar©valo and Congress President Nery Ramos to Taiwan, underscoring the close high-level exchanges between the two allies.
Chen affirmed Taiwan's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Guatemala and other democratic partners to enhance regional stability and development. The reception also featured the launch of an art exhibit by Guatemalan artist Daniel Garca Dub³n titled "Feeling of the Heart," which will be displayed at the National Central Library in Taipei from Tuesday through Thursday.
Guatemala remains one of Taiwan's two diplomatic allies in Central America, alongside Belize, and is among the 12 countries maintaining official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.