President Ma Ying-jeou says relations between Taiwan and Guatemala are stable. He was speaking Monday during a meeting with visiting Guatemalan first lady Ana Violeta Fagiani Enríquez de Maldonado.
Ma said Taiwan and Guatemala have had diplomatic ties for more than 80 years and that the government is supportive of the good causes sponsored by the Guatemalan first lady. She has focused considerable efforts on child care, elderly care, and youth correctional services.
President Ma said Taiwan will continue to offer assistance and work with the Central American country.
“Since the [two sides] established formal ties in 1933, relations between Guatemala and Taiwan have been stable. After taking office in 2008, I announced that [Taiwan] would offer foreign aid if it is justifiable, legal and effective. [I hope] our [assistance] can benefit the people of Guatemala and underline Taiwan’s role as a provider of humanitarian assistance in the international community," said Ma.
Ana Violeta Fagiani is the wife of the incumbent president, Alejandro Maldonado. He took office in September after the resignation of former President Otto Pérez Molina.