Within the framework of the commemoration of the 250 years of Independence of the United States, the charge d’affaires of the Embassy of that country in Guatemala, Jorgan Andrews, assured that the bilateral relationship with Guatemala is broad and is strengthened through cooperation in security, combating drug trafficking, migration, infrastructure and economic growth.
During a meeting with the media, Andrews highlighted that both countries maintain a work agenda that, he stated, responds to common interests and challenges.
“Our diplomatic relationship with Guatemala is broad and deep. We are collaborating on all things that affect our citizens and there are many things we can do together because we are neighbors, we are strategic allies and we have the same challenges and the same opportunities. So, when our two democracies work together, there are no limits to the results we can achieve,” he expressed.
The diplomat indicated that the fight against drug trafficking and cartels constitutes one of the main priorities for the administration of President Donald Trump and assured that this effort also represents a shared objective with Guatemala.
“We are working on security, on the fight against drug trafficking and cartels; it is a priority for President Donald Trump and also for Guatemala. We are working on the elimination of illegal migration because that affects both countries negatively; and, of course, we want to grow our economy. When our economy grows and is working well, it benefits Guatemala as well and our two economies can grow together.”
He added that another axis of cooperation consists of reducing what he called the influence of foreign actors that affect the interests of both countries.
“Finally we are -trying- to minimize the malign influence of foreigners. It is a very broad agenda and there are no limits to the possibilities of collaboration.”
Cooperation against drug trafficking
Asked about the security cooperation mechanisms, Andrews affirmed that the US administration is promoting a joint effort by all government institutions to combat drug trafficking cartels.
“What President Trump is doing is bringing all the capabilities of the government, a whole-government effort against the cartels, against drug trafficking and against narcoterrorism. As a veteran of the fight against drug trafficking, I have never seen so many capabilities, so many skills combined to fight the cartels,” he added.
Likewise, he highlighted Guatemala’s participation in the Coalition of the Americas against Cartels and explained that new forms of cooperation are currently being analyzed.
“We are very interested in working together with Guatemala as a reliable and important partner. Remember that Guatemala is a member of the Coalition of the Americas against Cartels and in this phase we are exploring new opportunities to support Guatemala in training in technical matters, in equipment, but also for planning, intelligence, to be able to prepare operations against the cartels.”
Migration and combat against processors
Another priority issue, according to Andrews, is irregular migration and the prevention of fraud related to immigration procedures.
The diplomat indicated that the objective of the US administration is to reduce irregular migration without affecting the relationship with Guatemala and highlighted the joint work to combat those who take advantage of people seeking to migrate.
“For President Trump’s administration we are focused on how to minimize migration to the United States without harming our partners like Guatemala. That is why we must return those who are in the United States illegally, but we must also prevent visa abuse and the processors who are exploiting Guatemalan citizens; they take their money and sell them things that are not really real,” said the diplomat.
He added that these actions also seek to protect Guatemalan citizens.
“So that effort not only helps the United States, but also protects Guatemalans and Guatemala from this type of abuse. We are very much in favor of the sentences that have recently been handed down to these people, processors, and we are working very closely with the Government of Guatemala to prevent these abuses in the future,” he said.
Infrastructure to boost trade
Andrews also highlighted the infrastructure projects that the United States is developing in coordination with the Government of Guatemala, including initiatives related to ports, railways and highways.
He explained that the United States Army Corps of Engineers is currently working on planning various projects.
“As you have seen, we have our United States Army Corps of Engineers. They are working, forming their team and doing workshops to understand the requirements of some infrastructure projects. So, working very closely with the government of President Arévalo, the Corps of Engineers is forming projects to expand the capacity of ports like Puerto Quetzal, to build railroads from Puerto Quetzal to Escuintla and there are also possibilities for roads, because we know that Guatemala’s infrastructure requirements are great,” Andrews said.
According to Andrews, these works could strengthen the country’s strategic position.
“The idea is that, with these infrastructure improvements, Guatemala can be a trade hub, a commerce and transit center in many ways to improve not only the region, but also the economy of Guatemala.”
Celebration for 250 years of Independence
Regarding the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States, Andrews reported that activities will continue in the coming weeks.
“Today is our diplomatic reception to celebrate that 250th anniversary of Independence and we are very happy to welcome our Guatemalan counterparts and the entire diplomatic community.”
He recalled that one of the activities already carried out was a jazz concert offered by a band of the Arkansas National Guard at the National Palace of Culture.
“We are also going to have activities during the coming weeks and months to expand the celebration. For example, on Tuesday night, at the National Palace of Culture, we had a jazz concert by an Army band from the Arkansas National Guard. So, we are very excited and interested in creating an even deeper, broader relationship with Guatemala with many opportunities,” he concluded.
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