President Ma Ying-jeou on the morning of October 8 was joined at the Presidential Office by Vice President Vincent C. Siew in meeting with Republic of Guatemala President Álvaro Colom Caballeros. President Ma, on behalf of the people and government of the ROC, welcomed President Colom on a state visit to participate in the ROC's Double Ten National Day festivities.
President Ma said that the ROC established a consulate general in Guatemala City in 1935. In 1954, it established a legation in Guatemala, followed by the establishment of an embassy in 1960. The diplomatic alliance between the two countries has a history dating back 73 years, the president said, calling the relationship an extremely precious one. President Ma said that President Colom is the first foreign head of state to attend the ROC's National Day celebration since he took office on May 20. He said this is highly significant and demonstrates the deep friendship and alliance between the two countries.
President Ma furthermore said he has long paid close attention to the ROC's alliance with Guatemala. Prior to his inauguration on May 20, he recruited ROC Ambassador to Guatemala Francisco H. L. Ou to come back to Taiwan to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs, the president said. This indicates the importance he places on the relationship between the two countries, he said.
President Ma expressed his gratitude to President Colom for sending Guatemala Vice President Dr. Rafael Espada to attend his inauguration in May. At the time, he said he had the opportunity to exchange opinions with Vice President Espada on a wide range of issues. In August when he attended the inauguration of Paraguay President Fernando Lugo, President Ma invited Vice President Espada to join him on his chartered plane to the Dominican Republic. President Ma said they had enjoyable discussions on the plane. President Ma commented that the people of Guatemala are fortunate that President Colom has such an outstanding deputy in assisting him in governing the country.
President Colom said that he is deeply honored to be able to attend the ROC's National Day celebration on this visit. He made note of the deep and close alliance between the two nations, and especially pointed out that having the chance to see firsthand the ROC's economic development has made the trip worthwhile for him. President Colom said he hopes the two countries will continue to strengthen their cooperative relationship in the future, enabling Guatemala to learn Taiwan's successful development experience.
After receiving a welcome with full military honors, President Colom and his delegation were accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ou to the Presidential Building to meet with President Ma. Also in attendance were Secretary-General to the President Chan Chuen-po and National Security Council Secretary-General Su Chi.