President Ma remarked that the ROC and Guatemala established formal diplomatic relations in 1935 and have enjoyed a stable friendship and alliance since. The president noted that he previously made trips to Central and South America to attend the inaugurations of leaders of nations in the region that are allies of the ROC. He said that in the course of these visits, he has met with Guatemalan President Álvaro Colom Caballeros quite a few times. In addition, he has also made a state visit to Guatemala. Last year, President Colom visited Taiwan to attend the ROC's National Day celebrations and the two leaders held very cordial talks, he said. President Ma recalled that during his recent visit to Guatemala, he specially made a trip to Petén Province in the north of the country to visit the ancient Mayan remains in the Tikal National Park. The president expressed his support for the development of an over 20,000 square kilometer Mayan cultural park in the region, adding that the ROC would be happy to do what it can to aid Guatemala in the preservation of Mayan culture.
President Ma noted that in the short eight months since President Colom visited Taiwan last October for National Day festivities, he and President Colom have met on seven occasions, demonstrating the close relations between the two countries. In addition, the president said he trusts that this visit to Taiwan by Defense Minister Valenzuela will help further strengthen the bilateral cooperative relationship.
Defense Minister Valenzuela expressed his appreciation to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He also passed along the best wishes of President Colom and Vice President Rafael Espada to President Ma.