(Bottom right, counter clockwise) Vice Minister Miguel Li-jey Tsao, PDAS Julie Chung, AIT Director Brent Christensen, Guatemala Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo and JTEA Chief Representative Hiroyasu Izumi take part in the first GCTF for Latin America and the Caribbean Sept. 9 via the internet. (MOFA)

Taiwan, the U.S., Japan and host Guatemala successfully staged the first Global Cooperation and Training Framework for Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sept. 9.

The virtual event, which centered on coronavirus-combating efforts, good governance and post-pandemic recovery plans, is aimed at deepening friendship and collaboration among like-minded countries in tackling global issues and promoting inclusive prosperity. It involved more than 200 experts and officials from over 25 countries throughout the region.

Participants included MOFA Vice Minister Miguel Li-jey Tsao, Digital Minister Audrey Tang, U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Julie Chung, American Institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chief Representative Hiroyasu Izumi and Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Pedro Brolo.

Tsao said Taiwan is on the front lines of international pandemic management measures, and is working tirelessly to support related efforts of allies and friendly nations across Latin America and the Caribbean. The government is grateful for recognition of this contribution with support for the country’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization by partners such as the U.S., Japan and Canada, he added.

Chung, who praised Taiwan’s contribution to advancing democracy and sustainable development across the region, said she was pleased to see the staging of the inaugural GCTF. The U.S. is committed to cooperating closely with Taiwan in bolstering its ties with friendly nations sharing the same values, she added.

Equally upbeat on the GCTF, Brolo said the event enables participants to share experiences in fighting COVID-19, learn from one another and face challenges to global health together. He expressed gratitude to all parties for backing Guatemala’s co-hosting of the event.

The GCTF for Latin America and the Caribbean also comprises workshops on such topics as digital economy and infrastructure, fifth-generation technology, internet security and women’s empowerment. A physical meeting is to be held in ally Guatemala later this year after travel restrictions caused by coronavirus, first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019, are lifted.

According to the MOFA, Latin America and the Caribbean is an important region for Taiwan as it is home to the majority country’s allies. It is hoped other like-minded partners and friends will take part in the event going forward, as friendship transcends borders and geographic distances in cementing good relations, the ministry said.

GCTF, launched in 2015 by Taiwan and the U.S., aims to build capacity and strengthen multilateral cooperation among like-minded partners. Other participating countries include Australia, Japan—joining as a full partner in 2019, and Sweden.

A total of 25 workshops involving more than 600 experts and government officials from 39 countries have been staged to date. (TYT-E)