The president of the European Council, António Costa, met this Wednesday, May 20, with President Bernardo Arévalo to discuss issues of cooperation and development between Guatemala and the European Union (EU).
After the meeting at the National Palace of Culture, both officials held a press conference.
Arévalo said that Costa’s visit has deep political significance and that it is the first time that a president of the European Council visits Guatemala.
He added that this exchange with the EU is “valuable”, since the relationship that has been built is based on shared values: democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and the international order.
He stressed that cooperation has concrete and measurable results in trade and association matters, such as bilateral exchange.
He said that the relationship is much more than trade, since Guatemala is going through a political transformation and the EU has been present as a “loyal, solid and reliable friend.”
He added that António Costa gave him the preliminary report of the EU accompaniment mission that observed the renewal of judicial and electoral authorities.
He indicated that they are convinced of the need for a major reform in the justice system and that they face serious security challenges.
He stressed that cooperation benefits Guatemala, which is moving forward and has found a respectful partner in the EU.
In his speech, António Costa indicated that the EU has firmly supported Guatemalan democracy, since Guatemala is a key ally for the European bloc and the relationship is forged in decades of joint work.
He highlighted the shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law and a more just international order.
He said that the challenges are enormous, because for those who suffer poverty, insecurity, violence or exclusion, changes do not come so quickly.
He announced that the EU will continue to accompany, as a partner, the Arévalo government’s agenda to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law.
He highlighted cooperation for sustainable development, investments and security.
He stated that European companies invest in Guatemala, But they will invest more as legal security is consolidated, and for that it is essential to have credible judicial institutions.
“Where security is lacking, rights cannot be exercised freely. Where democracy is lacking, security can only be achieved without justice, subordinated to the interests of the most powerful,” he indicated.
Costa said they share concern about cases of instrumentalization of the judicial system and the criminalization of human rights defenders and indigenous leaders, as well as attempts to affect the democratic will.
He added that legal certainty and democratic stability are key to increasing European investment.
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