This Sunday, May 3, the presentation of the Naval Friendship Squadron of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in front of the National Palace of Culture, in zone 1 of the capital.
According to the Government of Guatemala, the activity, in which there were demonstrations of maneuvers, music and martial arts, It is “a sign of cooperation and rapprochement that strengthens the ties between both nations.”
High authorities from both countries participated in the activity, including the president of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo; the Minister of National Defense, Henry Sáenz, and the Taiwanese ambassador to the country, Vivia Chang.
The Naval Friendship Squadron of the Republic of China (Taiwan) It has its origin in the navigation training of the cadets of the Naval Academy and, at the same time, fulfills the mission of representing the government abroad, strengthening diplomatic ties and accompanying the Taiwanese community outside the country, the delegates explained.
This mission has been carried out continuously since 1967; In 2026, mission number 60 and the seventh visit to Guatemala will be commemorated. The last stopover took place in 2018, so, after eight years, the squadron returns to the country. Its more than 780 officers and crew express their honor and satisfaction for this opportunity, they added.
The squad It is made up of three warships. The fleet set sail from Taiwan at the end of February, crossed the Pacific Ocean, transited the Panama Canal and reached the Caribbean Sea, traveling more than 20 thousand kilometers. During his journey he has visited allied countries; Belize was the stopover prior to their arrival in Guatemala, the delegations reported.
Medal exchange
Ambassador Vivia Chang, representing the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense, awarded the Medal of Naval Merit to seven Guatemalan officers, among them the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense awarded the White Nun Medal to seven Taiwanese officers, including the squadron commander, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral friendship.
A Taiwan-themed gallery was installed on the PAN-SHI flagship, which presents the diplomatic relationship between both countries, as well as exhibitions of “hard power” – such as shipbuilding, drones and unmanned vessels – and “soft power”, including tourism, culture and emblematic products, in order to bring the Guatemalan people closer to the reality of Taiwan, the diplomats explained.
“This mission represents stories of vocation, sacrifice and hope. During months of sailing, these men and women not only hone their professional skills, but also strengthen their character and spirit,” said Taiwanese Ambassador Vivia Chang.
“Thank you for that effort to increase and improve our relationship as armed forces, since the exchange not only of experiences and knowledge, but also meeting fellow members of friendly armed forces, is very important for every soldier around the world,” said, meanwhile, the Guatemalan Minister of Defense, Henry Sáenz.
Both highlighted the value of bilateral relations between both countries.
It is planned that tomorrow, May 4, seven frigate ensigns embark with the squadron to receive training on the high seas and continue their training in Taiwan, as part of strengthening professional training and maritime operational capabilities.
