《TAIPEI TIMES》 Ministry thanks Guatemala for reaffirming ties

By Liu Tzu-hsuan / Staff reporter, with CNA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday welcomed Guatemala’s statement to reaffirm its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, while separately the French minister for Europe and foreign affairs reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

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“Guatemala reaffirms the excellent political-diplomatic relations and a solid friendship with the Republic of China （Taiwan）, a country with which historical and brotherly ties have been shared for 89 years,” the Central American country said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Guatemala “reaffirms its commitment to continue strengthening diplomatic ties, cooperation and friendship with the Republic of China （Taiwan）,” it added.

The statement came after Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martinez on Monday told Reuters that his country is considering establishing formal trade relations with China.

Martinez reassured Ambassador to Guatemala Miguel Li-Jey Tsao （曹立傑） that “the recognition of that country [Taiwan] as an independent nation with which democratic values and mutual respect are shared,” the statement said.

In Taipei, the ministry yesterday through a press release welcomed the Central American ally reiterating its firm ties with Taiwan.

Taiwan hopes to continue deepening cooperation and exchanges with Guatemala based on shared values such as freedom and democracy and the foundation set by long-term bilateral cooperation to jointly create the greatest welfare for the peoples from both sides, it said.

Separately, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne on Wednesday said that France opposes to any unilateral changes to the “status quo” in the Taiwan Strait and supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the strait.

China unilaterally announced changes to the M503 flight route at the end of last month, breaking its agreement with Taiwan that southbound flights on the route should operate 6 nautical miles （11km） southwest of the route.

French Senator Brigitte Devesa, vice chairperson of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group, on Wednesday condemned Beijing’s actions and demanded the French government to respond.

Beijing is “obviously harassing Taiwan’s air defense and using civil aviation routes to conceal military operations,” which would have serious consequences for the safety of international tourists, including French nationals traveling in the area, she said.

Sejourne expressed concerns about growing cross-strait tensions, adding that France has maintained that it opposes any unilateral change to the “status quo” and the use of force and coercion to change it.

France regularly dispatches its navy through the Taiwan Strait in line with international law “to demonstrate the importance the country attaches to freedom of navigation and overflight,” he said.

The French government conveyed the message to senior Chinese officials, encouraging China to prioritize dialogue to avoid escalating tensions, he said.

Sejourne also reiterated the European country’s support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

Representative to France Francois Wu （吳志中） said this is the first response to the issue from a European foreign minister, which indicated that France considers “the stability and security of the Taiwan Strait region as an important national interest.”

In Taipei, the ministry yesterday thanked Sejourne for speaking up on the issue, adding that France has always shown concerns for cross-strait situations and was the first major country to make it its legal obligation to safeguard the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES