Giammattei claims Taiwan’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty” during a visit to the island

25 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The president of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, has vindicated this Tuesday the “territorial integrity and sovereignty” of Taiwan during a visit to the island that has provoked much criticism from the Government of China.

“It has been a great privilege to appear before the Legislative Yuan where I ratified Guatemala’s firm position demanding respect for Taiwan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” the president said in a Twitter message after a speech before the Taiwanese Parliament .

Thus, he has expressed that Taiwan must be “free, sovereign and independent” and has given thanks after being decorated with the Honorary Medal for Parliamentary Diplomacy, a distinction that he has received “with pride for representing the unity of a nation that professes a lasting, non-negotiable and unbreakable friendship”.

Previously, Giammattei was received by the president of Taiwan, Ing Tsai Wen, to whom he ratified the “solidarity and absolute support of Guatemala.” “I wish brave and fraternal Taiwan a prosperous future and long life,” he said.

The Guatemalan president arrived in Taiwan on Monday with the aim of strengthening relations with the island. Upon his arrival in Taipei, he was received by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, according to information from the Taiwanese Presidency.

Guatemala is one of the few countries that still recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty, a list that has been shrinking in recent years under pressure from Beijing to isolate Taipei on the international stage. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has promised to retake it one day, so it does not accept that other countries recognize its independence.

Beijing warned the Giammattei government on Wednesday to “avoid aiding wrongdoers and go against the general global trend and aspirations of the Guatemalan people for their own benefit.”