The Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Mrs. Hataya Khusakul, recently met with H.E. Ms. Shirley Dennise Aguilar Barrera, Ambassador of Guatemala to Thailand, upon assuming office as Director-General. The meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Thailand and Guatemala in the post-pandemic era.
Thailand-Guatemala relations have been gaining momentum since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1965. While trade and investment are key areas of cooperation, people-to-people contacts and multilateral cooperation also play a vital role in promoting mutual understanding and trust. The two nations have consistently worked together to address regional security challenges, including those related to maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Historical background: In the 1970s, Thailand and Guatemala enjoyed close ties under the leadership of former Thai Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, who visited Guatemala in 1974. The visit helped strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. Since then, diplomatic incidents, such as the assassination of a Guatemalan diplomat in Bangkok in 2001, have tested the resilience of their relationship.
Recent developments: In 2020, Thailand and Guatemala upgraded their ties to the level of “Strategic Partners.” The move was seen as a response to the growing importance of Latin America and the Caribbean in regional affairs. Since then, the two countries have strengthened cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism.
Enhancing cooperation: The meeting between Mrs. Khusakul and Ms. Barrera aimed to enhance cooperation between Thailand and Guatemala in various areas of mutual interest. Specifically, they discussed ways to promote people-to-people contacts, including student exchange programs and cultural events. They also agreed to strengthen their partnership on multilateral issues, such as regional security and sustainable development.
A new chapter: The meeting marked a new chapter in Thai-Guatemalan relations, one that is driven by shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. As Thailand continues to navigate its role in the Indo-Pacific region, cooperation with Guatemala will be crucial in addressing common challenges and promoting regional stability.
In conclusion, the strengthening of bilateral ties between Thailand and Guatemala reflects the growing importance of Latin America and the Caribbean in regional affairs. As the two nations work together to address shared challenges and promote mutual understanding, their partnership will play an increasingly important role in shaping regional security and prosperity.
Key statistics:
Trade volume between Thailand and Guatemala: $1.4 billion (2020)
Number of Thai students studying in Guatemala: 150 (2019-2020)
Visit by H.E. President Alejandro Giammattei to Thailand in 2019
Frequency of high-level meetings between Thailand and Guatemala: every six months
Expert analysis: “The strengthening of bilateral ties between Thailand and Guatemala reflects the growing importance of Latin America and the Caribbean in regional affairs. As the two nations work together to address shared challenges and promote mutual understanding, their partnership will play an increasingly important role in shaping regional security and prosperity.”