January 15, 2024
No. 025
Republic of China (Taiwan) Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu, acting as special envoy of President Tsai Ing-wen, attended the inauguration of Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and Vice President Karin Herrera and related events on January 14. He had also met with them the previous day.
The inauguration was initially scheduled to be held on the afternoon of January 14 but was delayed when proceedings were affected by differences of opinion between political parties in the Guatemalan Congress. Delegations from various countries issued public statements expressing concern and endorsing the new government, underscoring their backing for democratic consolidation in Guatemala. Minister Wu wrote a post on X reaffirming his staunch support for Guatemala’s democracy. Incoming Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez conveyed appreciation on behalf of the new government.
Later in the evening, Minister Wu went to the inauguration venue, the National Theater, with other nations’ delegations and engaged key political figures from other countries. After the ceremony, Minister Wu and Taiwan’s delegation attended the inaugural reception at the National Palace in a concrete demonstration of support for President Arévalo and the Guatemalan people.
Earlier on January 14, Minister Wu hosted a luncheon for Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño, who was also in Guatemala for the presidential inauguration. Prime Minister Briceño congratulated Minister Wu on the smooth completion of Taiwan’s presidential election and presented a congratulatory letter to be forwarded to President-elect Lai Ching-te. On behalf of President Tsai, Minister Wu invited Prime Minister Briceño to lead a delegation to Taiwan’s presidential and vice presidential inauguration.
During his stay in Guatemala, Minister Wu visited the bamboo material design and research center built by the Taiwan Technical Mission. He received a briefing to better understand the mission’s support for the bamboo industry as well as its other technical cooperation projects. He commended Taiwan’s diplomats and staff stationed in Guatemala for their efforts and encouraged them to further bolster the cordial diplomatic partnership linking the two countries.
Minister Wu’s two-day visit to Guatemala was productive and rewarding. He met with the incoming and outgoing presidents and other prominent political figures of Guatemala and took the opportunity to interact with representatives from other countries. The Republic of China (Taiwan) staunchly upholds the core values of freedom and democracy. It will stand with Guatemala to safeguard their shared values and work together for the well-being of both peoples. (E)