The new Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to the ROC (Taiwan) Héctor Iván Espinoza Farfán presented his credentials to President Ma Ying-jeou on June 6.
The ceremony was held at the Presidential Office at 10 a.m. Ambassador Espinoza was accompanied by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Protocol Department Director Liu Yi-min in presenting his credentials to the president. Secretary-General to the President Chan Chuen-po and Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco H. L. Ou were also present for the stately ceremony.
After Ambassador Espinoza presented his credentials to President Ma, the president, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), welcomed the ambassador on assuming his new post here. He also praised Ambassador Espinoza for his comprehensive background, noting that he is the best person to serve as Guatemala's ambassador to the ROC.
President Ma said that the two nations have maintained close and friendly relations for quite a long time. He noted that Guatemala President Rafael Espada last month came to Taiwan to participate in the presidential inauguration activities here. In addition, President Ma mentioned that just three days ago, he bestowed the ROC's highest honor – The Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon – on Central American Parliament Speaker Julio Guillermo González, who originates from Guatemala. The president said these events demonstrate the close bond between the two countries. In addition, the president said that starting from 1999 when current Vice President Vincent C. Siew was premier until the May 20 presidential inauguration, a total of 19 visits by high-ranking officials from the two countries were made, which is equivalent to nearly two per year. The frequency of visits between high-ranking officials from the ROC and Guatemala ranks among the highest of those between the ROC and any of its diplomatic allies, he said.
President Ma said that he visited Guatemala in 2001 when he served as Taipei mayor. During the trip, he met with then Mayor of Guatemala City Fritz Garcia-Gallont and Mrs. Garcia-Gallont, and a memorandum of understanding on exchanges between the two cities was signed. The president said that it was at that time he learned that Mrs. Garcia-Gallont was a noted athlete and enjoyed participating in the ironman triathlon. As a result, a number of years ago when the couple visited Taipei, the president said he invited the two to go running and biking with him on a tour of the Feitsui Reservoir. President Ma said he was deeply impressed by the stamina of the then mayor and his wife. The president said he hopes he has the opportunity in the future to again join them on an outing and to exchange thoughts on the benefits of exercise.
President Ma told Ambassador Espinoza that the ROC government and people wholeheartedly welcome him to Taipei. He said he hopes the ambassador will not hesitate to seek assistance should he require aid in any matter.