President Tsai meets Guatemala Defense Minister Williams Mansilla Fernandez
During a meeting on the morning of April 25 with a delegation led by Guatemala Minister of Defense Williams Mansilla Fernandez, President Tsai Ing-wen expressed hope that the two countries can continue cooperating so as to consolidate bilateral ties.
In remarks, the president noted that since becoming the defense minister in August 2015, Minister Mansilla has continually promoted Taiwan-Guatemala military exchanges and cooperation. She thanked him for this support and welcomed him to Taiwan.
President Tsai recalled that when she visited Guatemala for the first time early this year, President Jimmy Morales received her with grand ceremonies and enthusiasm, and accompanied her delegation for an entire day, for which she was very thankful. President Tsai stated that Guatemala is a beautiful country with warm and friendly people, and said she was equally impressed by the magnificent vistas in the capital of Guatemala City and the beautiful charm of the city of Antigua.
President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan and Guatemala have been partners and close friends for many years. Guatemala has always been a staunch supporter that has spoken out on behalf of Taiwan no matter what the pressures might have been in the international community. The people of Taiwan are well aware of this fact, and greatly value the bilateral friendship. The president asked Minister Mansilla, upon his return to Guatemala, to convey to President Morales her best regards, and that the government and people of Taiwan are very grateful to Guatemala for its unwavering support for Taiwan.
President Tsai stated that Taiwan and Guatemala have maintained close exchanges and cooperation for many years in such areas as economic and trade relations, humanitarian and community service undertakings, infrastructure development, academic affairs, and healthcare. In defense matters—especially in exchanges between military academies—the two countries have always cooperated very closely.
And finally, President Tsai expressed hope that, with the strong support of Minister Mansilla, and with the benefit of ongoing cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala, the bilateral partnership will continue far into the future, and the alliance will be a lasting one.