Text and photos: Juan David Latorre
Yesterday, the Guatemalan ambassador, Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, who presented his credentials last week, celebrated the Central American country’s National Day at Casa América, commemorating the 204th anniversary of Guatemala’s Independence.
Regarding his future role as head of the Guatemalan delegation, Ambassador Jorge Skinner-Klée stated, “My mission will be to expand spaces for political dialogue, cooperation, and the development of common positions in multilateral, universal, and regional forums, as well as to explore new opportunities in trade and investment and promote greater cultural, academic, and other ties, both with the central government and with the regional governments. As you know, Guatemala is a multiethnic, multicultural, and multilingual nation, home to more than twenty ancestral peoples, heirs to ancient cultures that have contributed incomparable value to our national identity. This cultural and linguistic plurality represents a living heritage and constitutes a cross-cutting thread of a people who, through democracy, are building a more just, more inclusive, and representative state based on human dignity.”
“Spain is also a plural, diverse nation committed to intercultural dialogue,” the ambassador continued, “which has made it an invaluable partner in the articulation of inclusive policies and the promotion of the rights of minority and indigenous peoples. Therefore, I wish to highlight the continued support of the Spanish government and its people through the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation, whose programs in education and culture, health, food security, the environment, and institutional strengthening are all based on government spending transparency and the fight against corruption, observance of human rights and freedom of expression, and respect for the rule of law. Thus, the Kingdom of Spain has become a close ally in my country’s efforts to strengthen its institutions, expand opportunities for human development, and promote a culture of peace and justice.”
Regarding current “global challenges,” “in a turbulent and uncertain world, collective responses are required, and Guatemala shares the conviction that through multilateral debate and coordination, more effective policies can be achieved to address all the contemporary issues that afflict our peoples. In this regard, Guatemala reiterates its commitment to adhering to international law and generally accepted constitutional norms to resolve disputes between states or problems that afflict their peoples. Therefore, we know that multilateralism is the most effective way to confront threats to international peace and security, as well as to address organized crime, climate change, rules for more equitable international trade, the observance of human rights, and even the human phenomenon of migration.”
“On this last topic, I would like to mention mutually beneficial bilateral agreements, such as the agreement between Guatemala and Spain on labor migration management signed in January 2003. This clearly demonstrates that it is possible to develop orderly, predictable, useful, and favorable migration schemes. The Republic of Guatemala has always valued its bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Spain, a nation that stands out as a strategic partner with whom we share common values and positions in the international arena, a preeminent and supportive brother in the concept of nations. It is with joy that we note that our relations have evolved fruitfully and reflect a long-standing dialogue and a real connection with a significant impact on the well-being of our peoples,” said Jorge Skinner-Klée. “This fused bilateral relationship,” the Guatemalan ambassador emphasized, “is best expressed in the welcome Her Royal Majesty gave President Bernardo Arévalo last year to receive him here in Madrid, and also for the third meeting of bilateral policy consultation mechanisms held this year. Therefore, we recognize the sponsorship of the Kingdom of Spain to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development as a clear leadership to successfully bring to a long-neglected international agenda.”
“We will share the efforts necessary to carry out our next American Summit,” the ambassador concluded, “to which both the Kingdom of Spain and Guatemala are giving so much enthusiasm. In short, our strategic alliance in areas of mutual interest is increasing, and the affinity of our peoples is growing, and, therefore, we hope to forge a better path together with Spain for our future generations.”
