Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), hosting visiting Guatemalan Minister of Finance Jonathan Menkos on Tuesday, said Taiwan will actively expand Taiwan-U.S. cooperation to Central America, forging closer ties among Taiwan, the U.S., and Guatemala. Lin quoted Menkos as saying Taiwan and Guatemala are walking hand-in-hand on the road to freedom and peace, jointly promoting national peace and prosperity.  
 
Previously, Taiwan and the United States, in their sixth Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD), which concluded on January 27, 2026, had discussed “third-country cooperation,” focusing on Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and Central America.
Guatemala is Taiwan’s key ally in Central America. Lin said talent underpins technological development, so Taiwan is helping build a cloud backup data center, providing training to boost tech skills and cybersecurity awareness, and promoting President Bernado Arévalo’s “chip development pathway” for industrial upgrades.  

Menkos noted Guatemala’s strong U.S. ties, abundant young workforce, and projected 6% economic growth this year, making it a country with significant investment potential. He hopes Taiwan and the U.S. will collaborate to aid Guatemala’s development.

Lin cited the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and U.S.-Taiwan Economic Security Cooperation with seven key areas, including third-country cooperation. He echoed Menkos, pledging to extend ties to Central America.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said that, since signing the joint statement in January, Taiwan would continue expanding cooperation with the U.S. and other key partners on related issues.  

The January 27 Washington dialogue covered AI supply chains, digital infrastructure, critical minerals, drone supply chains, high-tech talent, and bilateral economic ties, with third-country efforts targeting shared priority areas including allies such as the Philippines and Latin America.