President Ma Ying-jeou and Republic of Guatemala President Álvaro Colom Caballeros, in Taiwan to attend the ROC's 2008 National Day celebration, on the morning of October 11 at the Presidential Building signed a joint communiqué. The communiqué states that the presidents of the two countries have pledged to further strengthen cooperation and boost bilateral ties amid the over 70 years of political and economic cooperation between the two nations. This increased cooperation will help to further enhance the wellbeing of the people of the two countries.
Prior to the signing of the communiqué, the two heads of state first held talks and once again exchanged opinions on bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern. President Colom led the delegation from his country to bid farewell to President and Mrs. Ma, once again thanking the government and people of the ROC for the warm reception they received during their stay in Taiwan. President Colom also mentioned that he got a deep sense of Taiwan's efforts in the area of environmental protection, energy conservation and reduction of carbon emissions when he and President Ma visited the Yulon automobile company a couple of days ago. President Colom said this brought to mind a 22-square kilometer historic area being developed in his nation. He said he is pleased to invite President Ma to view a film introducing the park.
President Ma once again extended his appreciation on behalf of the government and people of the ROC to President Colom for leading a delegation to take part in the ROC's Double Ten National Day festivities. President Ma said that after watching the film provided by President Colom, he has a deep sense as to the important role the Mayan culture has played in human civilization. He said that preservation of related historical relics by Guatemala is not only the responsibility of Guatemala, but also the responsibility of all mankind. President Ma also expressed his hopes that the two countries, based on the existing cooperative foundation, will continue to strengthen their cooperation, paving the way for even closer interaction in the areas of culture, tourism and economics & trade. The president said he looks forward to even more mutual opportunities for development in the future.