Guatemala City, by Lincy Rodríguez -AGN-. In the context of his first international visit to Europe, President Bernardo Arévalo met with Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Mayorkas pointed out the importance of Guatemala as a key partner in regional economic development, migration management, and the fight against transnational crime. On his social network X, he emphasized the honor of meeting with President Arévalo and reaffirmed the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to support democracy in Guatemala.
He posted, “The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to support Guatemala’s democracy and work together to advance the security and prosperity of the Americas.”
Guatemala is a key partner of ours in regional economic development, managing hemispheric migration, combatting transnational crime, and much more. I was honored to meet with newly inaugurated President Bernardo Arévalo today in Munich. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/VdcYhxkHSs
— Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) February 17, 2024
The meeting in Munich was part of the president’s participation in the Munich Security Conference -MSC-, where he stressed Guatemala’s commitment to security and anti-corruption issues.
President Arévalo’s participation in the MSC and the Spotlight forum places Guatemala as a leader in the fight against corruption and opens up opportunities to strengthen relations with friendly countries and international organizations. It is a platform to strengthen Guatemala’s role in the global system and to present it as a reliable partner in security and the fight against corruption.
Bilateral meetings
In addition to the meeting with Secretary Mayorkas, President Arévalo held meetings with important international persons. He met with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, as part of his commitment to global justice.
Following his visit to #Guatemala last year, #ICC Prosecutor @KarimKhanQC was pleased to meet at #MSC2024 with H.E. President @BArevalodeLeon, to further strengthen dialogue and engagement with #Guatemala and the region. pic.twitter.com/NN18A6mJUc
— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) February 17, 2024
The Guatemalan president met with Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration -IOM-, to discuss the need to expand access to safe and regular migration routes for Guatemalans. Pope mentioned her meeting with President Arévalo through the social network X, emphasizing the demand to develop these paths for Guatemalans.
She said, “It was an honour to personally meet and congratulate President Arévalo on his electoral victory. We had an important conversation on the need to expand access to safe and regular migration pathways for Guatemalans.”
As the first woman to lead IOM, Amy Pope has demonstrated her experience and firm determination in managing complex migration issues. Her vision focuses on changing the global discourse on migration and advocating solutions that promote security and regularity in people’s flows.
It was an honour to personally meet and congratulate President @BArevalodeLeon on his electoral victory. We had an important conversation on the need to expand access to safe & regular migration pathways for Guatemalans. #MSC2024 pic.twitter.com/hUwRJaASOl
— Amy Pope (@IOMchief) February 17, 2024
President Arévalo and Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to underline their commitment to improving bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation with other countries.
These meetings spotlight President Arévalo’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and collaborate on issues of common interest. His readiness to enhance international cooperation and promote security and prosperity in Guatemala is reflected in his conversations with world leaders and representatives of international bodies.
🇬🇹🤝🇳🇱 | El Presidente @BArevalodeLeon y el #CancillerGT @CRMartinezGT se reunieron con el Primer Ministro del Reino de los Países Bajos, Mark Rutte (@MinPres). Un diálogo constructivo enfocado en promover aún más la amistad, la relación bilateral, el comercio y la cooperación. pic.twitter.com/MbDmAV3xHS
— MINEX Guatemala 🇬🇹 (@MinexGt) February 17, 2024
President Bernardo Arévalo’s attendance at the Munich Security Conference and his bilateral meetings underscore Guatemala’s interest in:
- security
- anti-corruption fight
- international cooperation
These actions reinforce Guatemala’s role as a relevant international actor and promote strengthening relations with friendly countries and multilateral organizations.
