Guatemala marks 205th independence anniversary in Taipei

Taipei, Sept. 10 (CNA) The Guatemalan Embassy celebrated the Central American country's 205th independence day at a reception in Taipei on Thursday attended by Taiwanese officials and members of the diplomatic community.

Guatemalan Ambassador to Taiwan Luis Raúl Estévez López said his country's political, social and cultural experiences since gaining independence from Spain on Sept. 15, 1821, have shaped the democracy it is today.

Turning to bilateral relations, Estévez said cooperation between Guatemala and Taiwan has continued to deepen across diplomatic, commercial, defense, cultural and technological fields.

He cited increases in Guatemalan exports to Taiwan, additional scholarships for Guatemalan students and efforts launched after President Bernardo Arévalo's June 2025 visit, to help Guatemala play a role in the semiconductor supply chain.

Meanwhile, Guatemala has consistently supported Taiwan's participation in international organizations, Estévez said. The two countries will mark 92 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations in December, he added.

Representing Taiwan's government, Vice Foreign Minister Ger Baushuan (葛葆萱) congratulated Guatemala and praised bilateral cooperation in public health, infrastructure, personnel training and trade.

Ger cited joint projects including Guatemala's first public specialized cancer hospital, modernization of La Aurora International Airport and a cloud backup data center aimed at strengthening government cybersecurity.

"Two-way trade and investment remain a cornerstone of our bilateral relations," Ger said, noting that Guatemala's annual exports to Taiwan reached US$130 million for the past two years.

Taiwan will encourage more companies to establish operations in Guatemala and use the country as a hub for expansion into the Americas, contributing to industrial development and job creation, Ger added.