South Korea, Guatemala foreign ministers discuss trade pact and development ties

South Korea's foreign minister met his Guatemalan counterpart in Seoul on July 1 and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation on trade, development assistance and other issues, Seoul's foreign ministry said. The two sides agreed to continue diplomatic efforts to facilitate early completion of Guatemala's accession to the Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement.

South Korea's FTA with five Central American nations entered into force in 2021. Guatemala completed its domestic ratification procedures for joining the pact in November 2025 and now awaits the completion of the remaining member countries' domestic procedures.

Development cooperation and regional issues The ministers also agreed to expand development cooperation in areas such as climate change and public administration. Guatemala is one of South Korea's key development cooperation partners in Central America.

They exchanged views on major regional developments, including those on the Korean Peninsula and in Latin America. The Guatemalan minister said the two countries share common values, including democracy, free trade and respect for international law, and added that his country is ready to work closely with Seoul in both bilateral and multilateral settings.

South Korea's foreign minister noted that some 6,000 South Koreans reside in Guatemala and asked for continued support for Korean businesses and the local Korean community. The Guatemalan minister recognized the Korean community's role in expanding bilateral cooperation and pledged continued support.

The visit was arranged under Seoul's strategic invitation program for key foreign figures, the ministry said.