High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell will be in Guatemala from 13-16 January. This marks a first ever visit by the EU High Representative to the country and HR/VP Borrell’s 6^th visit to the Latin America and Caribbean region during his current mandate.

On 13 January, the HR/VP will meet with President-elect Bernardo Arévalo to discuss strengthening the EU-Guatemala partnership and dialogue, the new government's priorities and areas of shared interest for potential cooperation. A press point will take place, which can be followed on EbS. The visit is testimony of the EU's firm support to democracy in Guatemala. It follows the deployment of an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Guatemala, to observe the 2023 general elections; the EU's support to a peaceful and orderly transition of power; and the adoption of a dedicated framework for restrictive measures, on 12 January 2024, in support of democracy. Beyond the transition of power, the EU, as a longstanding partner of Guatemala, stands ready to work closely together with the new administration on key priorities of shared interest, such as strengthening governance, the rule of law and support a national agenda for inclusive and sustainable development.

On 14 January, HR/VP Borrell will attend the official swearing in ceremony of President Bernardo Arevalo of Guatemala and Deputy President Karin Herrera Aguilar. On the same day, he is due to meet with Justice Operators and Human Rights Defenders, Virginia Laparra, Claudia Gonzalez, and HaroldoVasquez, as well as members of the Indigenous Authorities and private sector representatives. He will also hold a number of bilateral meetings: with the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric; the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña; the Vice-President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin; and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra; amongst others.

On 15 January, HR/VP Borrell will visit the Petén department. During his visit, the HR/VP will be meeting with local civil society leaders, local associations, and implementing partners of the EU working to preserve the rainforest. He will give a press conference at 13:30, local time (20:30 CET), regarding new EU cooperation projects in the area, broadcast on Ebs.

The EU is a key partner for Guatemala, in particular in the areas of trade, cooperation, green transition and humanitarian assistance.