Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with his Guatemalan counterpart, Carlos Martinez, in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, development assistance, and other mutual interests, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during their meeting, the ministers committed to pursuing diplomatic efforts to expedite Guatemala's accession to the Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement (FTA). South Korea's FTA with five Central American nations - Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and El Salvador - has been effective since 2021. Guatemala completed its domestic ratification procedures for joining the agreement in November 2025 and is now waiting for the other member countries to complete their procedures.

Additionally, the two leaders agreed to enhance development cooperation in areas such as climate change and public administration. Guatemala is considered one of South Korea's key partners for development cooperation in Central America. Discussions also included major regional developments, focusing on the Korean Peninsula and Latin America.

Martinez emphasized the shared values of democracy, free trade, and respect for international law between Guatemala and South Korea. He expressed Guatemala's readiness to collaborate closely with Seoul in both bilateral and multilateral contexts. Cho highlighted the presence of approximately 6,000 South Koreans residing in Guatemala and requested continued support for Korean businesses and the local Korean community.

Recognizing the Korean community in Guatemala as the largest in Central America, Martinez acknowledged its significant role in expanding bilateral cooperation and promised ongoing support. The visit by the Guatemalan minister was part of Seoul's strategic invitation program for key foreign figures.