Canada-Guatemala Relations

Fact Sheet: General country information, political and economic data.

Beginning of Diplomatic Relations

Canada and the Republic of Guatemala established diplomatic relations in 1961. Canada and Guatemala work closely together on a number of issues of common concern at the multilateral and regional levels. Bilaterally, the two countries cooperate on issues of human rights, democratic development and socio-economic equity. The Canadian Embassy in Guatemala is also responsible for managing Canada's relations with Belize.

Key Issues

• Guatemala Peace Accords:
  Guatemala's 36-year civil conflict ended in December 1996 with the signing of peace accords covering a broad range of topics, including human rights, socio-economic issues and constitutional reform. Canada's primary objective in supporting the Guatemala Peace Process is to assist with the peaceful transition to an open society where all Guatemalans can actively contribute to the political, economic, social and cultural development of their society. From 1994-2004, the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) played an important role in the strengthening and promotion of human rights and the implementation of the peace accords. Canada is proud to have supported MINUGUA over the course of its mandate, both financially and through the participation of Canadian police officers and military personnel.

• Human Rights:
  The human rights situation in Guatemala continues to be a source of concern to Canadians. The Government of Canada takes every opportunity, in bilateral and multilateral forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Commission and the Organization of American States, to remind the Government of Guatemala of its stated commitments to protect human rights. The Canadien Embassy in Guatemala works closely with local human rights organizations in support of their efforts to contribute to the improvement of human rights, including indigenous rights, in the country.

• Free Trade Agreement:
  On November 21, 2001, International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew announced the launch of free trade negotiations with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Parallel agreements on labour and environment are also being pursued.

• Elections:
  In 2003, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Canadian International Development Agency, Canada contributed $287,600 to help support a peaceful, fair and transparent election process in Guatemala. Twenty-seven Canadian volunteers, including Canadian government and non-governmental organization representatives, participated as part of the OAS observer group.

Trade and Investment

International Trade Canada is responsible for positioning Canada as a world business leader and for promoting Canada as a dynamic place to do business. Visit the International Trade Canada web site for information about services for Canadian companies, non-Canadian companies, business development, and information relating to investment or trade policy.

Indigenous Relations

Learn more about the Aboriginal dimension of Canada's relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Development Assistance

CIDA supports projects in the Americas and around the world that are eligible for Canadian aid through development cooperation initiatives.

April 2005