Guatemalan foreign relations

Guatemala's most important diplomatic interests are regional security and, increasingly, regional development and economic integration. The Trade Ministers of Central America meet regularly to work on regional approaches to trade issues. In March 1998, Guatemala joined its Central American neighbors in signing a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). In 2000 it joined Honduras and El Salvador in signing a free trade agreement with Mexico, which took effect in 2001. Guatemala also originated the idea for, and is home to, the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN).

Guatemala participates in various regional groups, particularly those related to the environment and trade. For example, former US President Clinton and the Central American presidents signed the CONCAUSA (Central America-USA Joint) treaty at the Summit of the Americas in December 1994. CONCAUSA is a cooperative plan of action to promote clean and efficient use of energy, conserve regional biodiversity, strengthen legal and institutional frameworks and compliance mechanisms, and improve and harmonize environmental protection standards.

Guatemala has long claimed a large portion of Belize. The territorial dispute caused problems with the United Kingdom and with Belize, after its independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. In September 1991, Guatemala recognized Belize's independence and established diplomatic ties, while acknowledging that the borders remained in dispute. In anticipation of an effort to end the border dispute in early 1996, the Guatemalan Congress ratified two long-pending international agreements dealing with border issues and maritime rights.

In early 2000, the Guatemalan Foreign Minister proposed a border resolution that would transfer more than half of Belize's territory to Guatemala. Following a series of border incidents, both sides, during talks under the auspices of the Organization of American States (OAS) in November 2000, agreed on confidence-building measures to reduce tensions. They followed this up with an agreement to open meaningful discussions on the dispute.

Guatemala maintains official relations with Taiwan (known as the “Republic of China”) instead of the People's Republic of China.

Disputes - international: the territory in Belize claimed by Guatemala; the specific alignment of the border is disputed.

Illicit drugs: transit country for cocaine shipments, minor producer of opium poppy and cannabis for international drug trade; the active eradication program in 1996 effectively eliminated cannabis cultivation; the proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala an important area for drug trafficking (cocaine shipments).