1. On December 18, Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan met with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Harold Caballeros, who is on a visit to the Republic of Korea from December 15 through 19. In the meeting, the two Ministers exchanged views on ways to promote the friendship and expand cooperation between the two countries.

*The ROK and Guatemala established diplomatic relations on October 24, 1962.

2. Minister Caballeros noted that in addition to 13,000 Korean residents, some 130 Korean businesses operate in Guatemala and account for 10% of the country’s exports, commending their business operations. He expressed willingness to step up economic cooperation with the ROK.

3. Meanwhile, Minister Kim requested that a thorough investigation be conducted into the felony cases against Korean residents in Guatemala and that stronger measures be taken to ensure their safety. Minister Caballeros responded that the Guatemalan government will pay particular attention to and cooperate in ensuring the safety of Korean residents and businesses in the country.

4. Minister Caballeros pointed out that North Korea’s launch of a long-range missile poses a threat to the stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the rest of Northeast Asia, and agreed to work closely with the ROK government in responding to the launch.

* The Guatemala government issued a statement on December 12 condemning North Korea over the launch.

                              Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation