Guatemala Congress president visits Taiwan, affirms bilateral ties

Taoyuan, July 6 (CNA) Guatemalan Congress President Luis Alberto Contreras Colíndres on Monday reaffirmed his country's long-standing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, as he began his first visit to Taipei.

Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, Contreras said the visit was aimed at reaffirming Guatemala's commitment to strengthening the long-term friendship and building mutual support and cooperation between the two countries, to the benefit of the people on both sides.

Speaking through an interpreter, he told reporters that his delegation included representatives from eight political parties in the Guatemalan Congress, reflecting broad cross-party consensus on the importance of maintaining bilateral ties with Taiwan.

Contreras also pledged that Guatemala would continue to stand firmly with Taiwan, saying his country would remain one of Taiwan's strongest and steadfast diplomatic allies.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the five-day visit marks Contreras' first official trip to Taiwan.

During the visit from Monday to Friday, the delegation is scheduled to meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), and other senior government officials to discuss issues of mutual concern and bilateral cooperation projects, the ministry said.