On July 15 at 3:30 p.m., Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Johnny C. Chiang, accompanied by Legislator Chiu Chih-Wei, Chair of the Taiwan-Central and South America and Caribbean Countries Parliamentary Friendship Association, along with Legislators Lin Yueh-Chin, Lin Szu-Ming, Wu Chun-Cheng, Director of the International Affairs Department Kevin C.F. Lin, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Chang Tzu-Hsin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Protocol Fan Chia-Ming, and H.E. Ambassador of Guatemala Oscar Adolfo Padilla Lam, welcomed the delegation led by the President of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos. The five-member delegation from Guatemala included Second Vice President of the Board of Directors of Congress César Amézquita, First Secretary Karina Paz, Chief of the Seed Movement Party José Sanabria, and Director of Protocol of the Congress of Guatemala Víctor Alburez.

Vice President Chiang extended a warm and sincere welcome to the visiting delegation. He explained that President Daniel K.Y. Han was presiding over an important legislative sitting and had asked him to welcome the guests on his behalf. Vice President Chiang first congratulated Congress President Ramos on his victory in last year’s congressional elections. He then highlighted the strong and enduring diplomatic ties between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Guatemala, which have spanned more than 90 years, making Guatemala one of Taiwan’s longest-standing allies. He emphasized that both nations share similarities in history, culture, and natural environment, and expressed admiration for the young, capable, and highly accomplished members of Guatemala’s new congress. Vice President Chiang noted that these individuals would play a key role in fostering future bilateral parliamentary exchanges. He concluded by expressing his hope that the friendship between the two nations would remain steadfast and continue to flourish for the next 90 years.

Vice President Chiang also took the opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and Congress President Ramos for their support of Taiwan’s international participation during this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan). He expressed his hope that Guatemala will continue to speak up for Taiwan on the international stage, enabling Taiwan to participate in relevant international organizations, mechanisms, and activities, thereby contributing more to the international community. Vice President Chiang went on to mention that on March 5 of this year, the Legislative Yuan established the Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen, which he is honored to chair. He emphasized that the Legislative Yuan will continue to encourage and support Taiwanese businesses in using Guatemala as a key base for expanding into the Central American market, working together to contribute to the prosperity and development of both nations.

Congress President Ramos expressed his honor in visiting Taiwan and meeting with the Legislative Yuan in his speech. He noted that the enduring and ever-strengthening friendship between Taiwan and Guatemala is founded on the shared goal of enhancing the well-being of both peoples. He expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s valuable experience in economic prosperity and its shared commitment to the values of freedom and democracy. Taiwan has collaborated with Guatemala across various sectors, including education, healthcare, economy, agriculture, and infrastructure, consistently supporting Guatemala’s social welfare and economic development. Congress President Ramos emphasized that Guatemala cherishes its cooperation with Taiwan and will never forget Taiwan’s timely assistance during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He reiterated the unwavering bond between the two nations on behalf of the Guatemalan Congress and thanked the people and government of Taiwan for their long-standing friendship and support on behalf of the people of Guatemala. He also highlighted that in May of this year, the Guatemalan government sent a letter to the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretariat in support of Taiwan’s participation in the WHA and related activities, fulfilling its commitment to safeguard the health of the Taiwanese people. President Ramos looks forward to experiencing Taiwan’s rich culture and warm hospitality during this visit and witnessing the nation’s dynamic development across various socio-economic fields.

Congress President Ramos personally presented Vice President Chiang with a Chinese translation of Guatemala’s Congressional Resolution No. 6-2024, bearing his signature, as a memento of his visit to the Legislative Yuan. The resolution acknowledges and supports the collaboration of the Republic of China (Taiwan) with countries worldwide on health issues, recognizing Taiwan’s contributions through its expertise and extensive experience for the betterment of humanity. It commends Taiwan’s use of advanced technology to enhance healthcare development and provide health services to the international community. The resolution also reaffirms the principle of universal participation outlined in the United Nations Charter's preamble, advocating for the protection of fundamental human rights and equal rights.

Next, representatives from different political parties in the Legislative Yuan delivered speeches to welcome the delegation. KMT Legislator Lin Szu-Ming quoted the ancient saying, "It is a joy to have friends from afar" to warmly welcome Congress President Ramos and his delegation to Taiwan. He emphasized the deep friendship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Guatemala, expressing hope that the visit would foster greater opportunities for cooperation and exchanges, while anticipating more bilateral visits in the future to further strengthen their bond. DPP Legislator Lin Yueh-Chin highlighted Taiwan's challenging international position and extended her gratitude to Guatemala and other like-minded nations for their unwavering friendship, especially for speaking up for Taiwan in the WHO and WHA. She expressed the hope that Guatemala’s advocacy would help raise awareness and understanding of Taiwan and that both countries would continue to support each other and thrive together. She also looked forward to enhanced cooperation in areas such as the economy and agriculture, so the world could witness the strengthening of Taiwan-Guatemala relations. TPP Legislator Wu Chun-Cheng noted the similarities between Guatemala and Taiwan, from beautiful landscapes to kind-hearted people, as well as the common challenge of facing threats from powerful nations. Both countries share a commitment to resisting dominance from major powers. He acknowledged the harsh realities of international politics, but emphasized that both nations stand firm in their dedication to universal values like democracy and freedom. Legislator Wu welcomed the delegation and hoped for deepened friendship and exchanges between their parliaments, with continued mutual support in international affairs.

The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. Both sides concluded the successful gathering with a group photo and an exchange of commemorative gifts.

List of Guests:
1. H.E. Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, President of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala
2. Hon. César Augusto Amézquita del Valle, Second Vice President of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala
3. Hon. Sra. Karina Alexandra Paz Rosales, First Secretary of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala
4. Hon. Sr. José Carlos Sanabria Arias, Chief of the Semilla Movement Party, Congress of the Republic of Guatemala
5. Sr. Víctor Jaroslav Alburez García, Director of Protocol, Congress of the Republic of Guatemala