Taipei - Guatemala and Taiwan on Wednesday agreed to
strengthen bilateral ties by expanding trade and increasing exchange
visits.
President Alvaro Colom of Guatemala on his four-day visit to
Taiwan was expected to discuss bilateral relations with President Ma
Ying-jeou and attend Taiwan's National Day celebrations.
'Cooperation from various countries is needed to solve global
issues like energy crisis, environmental protection and climate
change,' Colom said in his speech at a welcome ceremony.
'In this tough situation, Guatemala feels honoured to have a
friend like the Republic of China (Taiwan's formal title). I believe
that through our cooperation, we call to solve all problems and meet
all challenges,' he added.
President Ma Ying-jeou promised to strengthen ties by expanding
trade and exchanging of visits.
During his visit, Colom was to hold talks with Ma and receive an
honorary degree from the Chinese Culture University.
Coinciding with Colom's visit, a Guatemalan trade delegation was
also visiting Taiwan to promote Guatemalan products, including
coffee, and to attract Taiwanese investment in the Central American
nation.
Guatemala is one of the few countries in the world that recognizes
Taiwan instead of China.
After Costa Rica ended a 60-year relationship with Taipei by
recognizing Beijing in June 2007, Taiwan has been guarding its ties
with small Latin American and Caribbean nations.
President Ma has also called for a 'diplomatic truce' with China
to stop competing for allies and promote economic cooperation instead.
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