Taiwan to pay for Guatemalan lobbying in U.S., Guatemala says

FILE PHOTO: Flags of Taiwan and foreign countries flutter at the Diplomatic Quarter which houses the former Nicaraguan embassy and other foreign embassies, in Taipei, Taiwan December 10, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Wu/File Photo

Taiwan has paid for a lobbying contract to promote Guatemala with U.S. officials, Guatemala's government said late on Monday, just as Beijing's efforts to strengthen its diplomatic foothold in Central America are advancing.

"Guatemala thanks Taiwan for the support that will allow us to enhance the country's position in the United States," the Guatemalan government said in a statement.