Speeches and Statements

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador James M. Derham After Presenting his Credentials to the Government of Guatemala

Guatemala, September 1, 2005

Ambassador James M. Derham presents his Credentials to President Oscar Berger.

Ambassador James M. Derham presents his 'Copias de Estilo' to Minister of Foreign Relations Jorge Briz Abularach.

Today I was honored to present to President Berger my credentials as the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Guatemala. Our countries share commitments to democracy, human rights, free markets and regional security. I stated to President Berger my desire to continue the close cooperation and friendship that exists. I also thanked the President for his expressions of solidarity with the government and the people of the United States following Hurricane Katrina.

Our two countries have worked together in a spirit of cooperation to address shared challenges in the past, and now we have exciting new opportunities to expand our cooperation. I am particularly committed to helping ensure that the recently ratified Free Trade Agreement brings economic and social benefits to the working people of Guatemala and the United States. CAFTA provides a great opportunity for us, but – to fully take advantage of it – we need security, social investment, transparency, and the rule of law.

In the coming months, I look forward to traveling around this beautiful country, to learning of its rich heritage and the diversity of its cultures, and to exploring how our two nations can work together to build a brighter future for all of our citizens. In the twenty-first century, all of us, Guatemalans and Americans, share as never before a common destiny. The benefits of trade and exchanges, and problems of crime and security, flow across our borders like never before. As I begin my service here in Guatemala, I look forward to deepening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two governments and our peoples – to the benefit of us all.