Ambassador Luis Arreaga had the opportunity to talk with Guatemalan journalist Ben Kei Chin about issues of press freedom, harassment of journalists, and the rights of LGBTI people in Guatemala. Ben is the host of “Sin Filtro” (Without Filter), a TV program focused on the analysis of political and social news, and producer / screenwriter …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga celebrated U.S. Independence Day at a special civic ceremony of the Municipality of Guatemala, together with Mayor Ricardo Quiñonez and 600 students from various educational centers, where he spoke about the long friendship between Guatemala and the U.S., and the democratic values shared by both nations. The Ambassador emphasized the importance …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga participated in the inauguration of the Annual Conference of the Overseas Security Advisory Council OSAC to address the region’s security challenges. This conference brings together security experts from this Embassy with AmCham Guatemala members and public / private sector professionals to discuss common challenges in the Northern Triangle and Belize. The …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga offered a reception to celebrate new grants from the 100K Strong Innovation Fund in the Americas. Thanks to Cementos Progreso, university projects will be developed in engineering, natural resources, environment, adaptation to climate change, ecotourism, and others. Alliances such as the Innovation Fund with Guatemalan companies are vital to increase connectivity …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated with President Morales and the First Lady in a visit to the first Intermediate House of the New Correctional Model for Youth in San José Pinula, implemented by the Secretary of Social Welfare of the Presidency. The Intermediate House is the first its kind in Central America that represents a New …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga and members of the private sector learned about the discussions held by the Commissioner of Pronacom, Víctor Asturias, with the indigenous authorities of the highlands where they presented their concerns and proposals to improve the scope of the Alliance for Prosperity Plan. He also urged representatives of the private sector to collaborate …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga and Rear Admiral Peter Gautier of the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest met with representatives of the Guatemalan Army to discuss the benefits of a safe and prosperous maritime environment and the commitment of US support to the Guatemalan Navy for its continuous development. International collaboration plays an important role in anti-narcotics …

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the forum “Dynamic Leaders Closing Gaps” that celebrates advances and contributions from the U.S. and its development partners in favor of women and their efforts for a more inclusive society with prosperity, security and good governance in Guatemala. “The efforts have been positive, but …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga visited the School of Government, where he spoke to the graduate students in Public Management and Leadership about the importance of a professional and ethical civil service.

Since his arrival in Guatemala in October 2017, Ambassador Luis Arreaga decided to take time out of his diplomatic agenda to meet distinguished Guatemalans, who are making positive changes in their communities and throughout the country. To commemorate Women’s History Month in the U.S., Ambassador Arreaga spoke with Wendy Miranda, an electronics engineer with a …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga welcomed Congress representatives Thomas Carper, Jeff Merkley, Lou Correa, Don Beyer, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Donald Norcross on their visit to Guatemala. The delegation visited the country to discuss the relationship between both nations and how to create more prosperity, citizen security, and good governance for all Guatemalans. They met with …

As part of Black History Month, Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga had the opportunity to meet and talk with the Garífuna singer-songwriter Said Palacios, who tells him about his musical career, the obstacles he has faced, and the pride of his Garífuna identity.

Ambassador Arreaga met with a group of young professionals from Guatemala to discuss the elections, the importance of voting, and to know their hopes for the future of the country. “The U.S. strongly supports free, reliable, fair, and peaceful elections in Guatemala. I urge everyone to exercise their right to vote.”

During his trip to Huehuetenango, Ambassador Luis Arreaga met Marvin Cardona, an agronomist and entrepreneur from Aguacatán, who three years ago tried to illegally migrate to the United States, but was deported from Mexico before reaching the border. Since his return, Marvin began working with the MIPFuturo project, implemented by Agropecuaria Popoyán with the support …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga’s end-of-year message.

U.S. Congress Representatives Bradley Byrne, Madeleine Bordallo, and Norma Torres visited Guatemala and, together with Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga, met with Attorney General Consuelo Porras at the Public Ministry of Guatemala, where they received a guided tour of the Prosecutor’s Office Against Extortion. Since the creation of this office in 2017, the U.S. has supported …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga participated along with representatives of the G13 Donor Group and authorities of the Government of Guatemala, in a tour to evaluate the response and follow-up actions to the tragedy of the Volcán de Fuego. We are committed to working in coordination with Guatemala and the members of the G13, to support …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga shared with hundreds of Guatemalans the successful SaborUSA experience, which presented several leading U.S. products to the local market, as part of the close commercial relationship between the U.S. and Guatemala. During the event, the official toured different stands in which he showed the fusion of the talent of prominent Guatemalan …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga and his wife Mary Arreaga celebrated the importance of Art in a cultural exchange at the official residence as part of the Art in the Embassies program from the U.S. Department of State, that creates an intercultural dialogue on mutual understanding through Visual Arts and the dynamic exchange of artists. The …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga met with Attorney General Consuelo Porras and delegates from the Public Ministry of Guatemala and the Embassy to discuss the support of the US Government to the Justice System and contribute to Prosperity, Citizen Security and Governance in Guatemala.

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the inauguration of the Emergency Operations Center of Conred with the support of Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. The U.S. contributed US $ 150,000 to build the new decision-making room of said center, which will be used by the Emergency Council of the Government of Guatemala in case of …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the concert offered by professor and guitarist Randall Zwally as an initiative to share the history and culture of the United States, and inspire young people to find in art a tool of prosperity. Young people from zone 21 that are part of the ensemble of guitars of the Municipality …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga and Mrs. Arreaga attended the workshop given by the Sesame Street Foundation, aimed at the victims of the Volcán de Fuego tragedy, which took place at the UNICEF shelter, located at the Armando Barillas National Stadium in Escuintla. Elmo, Lola, Abby and the Cookie Monster traveled to Guatemala to share with survivors …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga presented the International Woman of Corage Award to Aura Elena Farfán, director of FAMDEGUA, in recognition of her work committed to supporting the families of the disappeared during the internal armed conflict. In March of this year, the State Department selected Mrs. Farfán from the group of 10 exceptional women around the …

On the World Day Against Trafficking, Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the launch of the “Denuncia La Trata” campaign accompanied by representatives of the Human Rights Ombudsman, the Judicial Branch of Guatemala, the Public Prosecutor of Guatemala, the PGN Guatemala, SVET and the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Guatemala is a place of origin, …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga traveled to Petén and Belize in a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that is part of the vehicles used by theSPMAGTF Task Force organized by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) for the humanitarian assistance exercises carried out in the country together with other partners in the region. Part of the bilateral cooperation actions focused …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga spoke with young people from the Altiplano who participate in different USAID Guatemala projects who shared their challenges, aspirations and perspective on development issues. During the meeting they also discussed the search for opportunities to be protagonists of prosperity in their communities, talked about citizen participation, access to public services, educational achievements, …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga met with the Indigenous Authority of Chichicastenango to learn about the efforts to promote citizen participation and access to justice for indigenous people. Inclusive development and good governance are essential to guarantee equal opportunities for all citizens. We support through USAID Guatemala the inclusive dialogue that promotes the prosperity and sustainability of …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga visited Sacapulas, Quiché, where he observed the work done by USAID Guatemala through Local Nexus to promote transparent municipal governments that seek to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the population in an effective and inclusive manner and strengthen good governance. The Ambassador met the mayor of Sacapulas, and visited the municipal water …

During his visit to Quiché, Ambassador Luis Arreaga visited the project Innovative Solutions for Agricultural Value Chains of USAID Guatemala and the Feed The Future initiative of the US Government, which seeks to improve the quality of life of families in the Altiplano. The beneficiaries and executors of the program presented the Ambassador with  demonstration …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga visited the handicraft market of Chichicastenango on a guided tour by two young Access alumni, who demonstrated the skills acquired by being part of this English scholarship program. One of Access’s goals is to increase the educational and employment opportunities of its graduates by learning the English language. The Ambassador also met …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga participated with the Mayor of Guatemala City, Ricardo Quiñónez, and students from five educational establishments in the Municipal Civic Program organized by the Municipality of Guatemala, which this month is dedicated to the celebration of Independence of the United States. The Ambassador pointed out that on July 4 we not only …

We commemorated the 242nd anniversary of US Independence. We celebrate the Right to Life, Freedom, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Photo album

Ambassador Luis Arreaga met with Attorney General María Consuelo Porras and collaborators of the Guatemalan Public Ministry to discuss the opportunities for support between the US Government and the Government of Guatemala to strengthen the Justice System.

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the commemoration ceremony of Memorial Day in gratitude to those who have given their lives in the service of the United States. War Day or Memorial Day is a federal commemorative date that takes place in the United States of America on the last Monday of May of each year, …

Congressman Vicente González (Democrat, Texas) visited Guatemala from May 25 to 29. He held a series of meetings to discuss the continuing importance of the relationship between Guatemala and the United States, and to learn more about the cooperation that exists between our nations. During this trip, he met with President Jimmy Morales, the CICIG …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the launch of the Antiretroviral Treatment Quick Start Strategy of the Comprehensive Care Unit for HIV and Chronic Infections Dr. Carlos Rodolfo Mejía Villatoro of Hospital Roosevelt. This strategy, implemented by the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, aims to get people with HIV to start treatment within a maximum of …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated with the President and the First Lady of the Government of Guatemala in the ceremony to lay the first stone for the construction of the new Specialized Center for Reinsertion (CER) of the Secretariat of Social Welfare in San José Pinula, thanks to the US support Department of State: Bureau of …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the exercise of Allied Humanitarian Forces (FAHUM) in Guatemala in collaboration with the US Southern Command in a practice to evaluate and increase the response capacity of the Government of Guatemala in the face of a major humanitarian disaster. The US is committed to work in coordination with the Government …

Ambassador Luis Arrega participated in the welcome reception at TechCamp Guatemala. This initiative of the State Department brings together young leaders from Latin America to promote the use of technology to promote transparency and accountability, strengthen democracy, good governance and the fight against corruption, while seeking to contribute to the objectives of the Summit of …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga met in Antigua with the American Wardens, to thank them for their volunteering and commitment to our country. We thank PROATUR, DISETUR and Conred Guatemala for the support of our Wardens and contribute to the safety of US citizens in emergency situations.

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the opening of the Annual Conference of the Advisory Council on Security Abroad OSAC 13 that will address challenges of the region in security issues. Central America is a rich, diverse region with enormous potential that will not be achieved unless there is more foreign investment, cooperation between the public-private …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated with officials of the Government of Guatemala in the launch of USAID Guatemala’s project “Creating new Economic Opportunities,” seeking to create economic opportunities in the Western Highlands with focus on investment and competitiveness. The national and foreign investment and the boost of the competitiveness in the country are determinant to generate …

Ambassador Arreaga visited one of the voting centers as part of the international body that accompanied the Popular Consultation and to share with the Guatemalans on this important day. Active citizenship strengthens the country and raises the profile of democratic processes.

We participate together with the Government of Guatemala in the ceremony to lay the first stone for the start of the construction of the new building of the US Embassy in Guatemala in zone 16. Our new embassy will be one of the first buildings in the country with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga met with Aura Elena Farfán, awarded as Woman of Courage by the U.S. Department of State, congratulated her, and urged her to continue working to inspire other women to raise their voices in defense of Human Rights, peace, and justice in Guatemala.

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Sexual Crimes Investigation Department of the PNC of Guatemala as part of the support through U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) to citizen security. The inauguration of these facilities marks the renewal of the fight against …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Guatemala to support the Supreme Electoral Tribunal TSE as part of our commitment to contribute to a free, fair, and transparent electoral process under good governance. We congratulate the TSE Guatemala for the initiative to promote reforms in favor …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the event to commemorate Tuberculosis Day, organized with the support of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, PEPFAR Central America, CDC, and University Research Co. “Looking for Leaders for a world free of Tuberculosis” is the theme of this year, which focuses on the commitment of all sectors, …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga visited 4 Grados Norte where he shared with several entrepreneurs and investors who are working to create an ecosystem of “Angel Investment” that promotes the investment of risk capital as support for entrepreneurship in Guatemala. During the meeting, the entrepreneurs showed the Ambassador business that uses technology to solve common challenges in …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga visited the cities of Puerto Barrios and Livingston in the department of Izabal as part of the security and culture programs promoted by the Embassy. In Livingston, the Ambassador visited the Model Police Precinct and talked with agents who are part of the program in the town. The operation of the monitoring …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga participated in the inauguration of the Higher Risk and Extinction of Appeals Chamber of the Judicial Branch of Guatemala, which will resolve legal recourses to expedite complex criminal proceedings. This chamber was created with support from USAID Guatemala and U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Intl Narcotics & Law Enforcement (INL) GT, …

Ambassador Luis Arreaga offered the presentation “The Ethics as a bulwark of Democracy” in the Week of Ethics at the Rafael Landívar University. During his participation, the Ambassador also discussed how citizens should create and promote a culture of legality with the daily exercise of an ethical life. Therefore, he explained that if a society …

The Governments of El Salvador and Guatemala, with the support of the United States, inaugurated the infrastructure improvements carried out at the borders of La Hachadura, on the side of El Salvador, and Pedro de Alvarado, on the Guatemalan side, which facilitate trade, customs control, security, and attention to users and migrants. The work done …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga participated in a tree planting event organized in conjunction with the Auxiliary Mayor’s Office of Zone 16. This planting responds to the commitment of each mission of the United States around the world, to respect the environment with a Green Policy that contributes to optimize natural resources and protect them. As …

The U.S. ambassadors for Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras met to coordinate efforts to support the Alliance for Prosperity Plan as an initiative of the Northern Triangle governments for prosperity, citizen security, and governance in the region.

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga met with Ambassador Carlos Manuel Pulido of Colombia to discuss joint actions that contribute to strengthening prosperity, governance, and citizen security in Guatemala.

Ambassador Luis Arreaga met with officials from Pronacom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Finance, and Segeplán, who make up the technical team of the Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity of the country. The Guatemalan officials shared with the Ambassador their progress and goals regarding the Plan, highlighting the projects to …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga shares a message with all Guatemalans (in Spanish), wishing them much prosperity for the new year.  

Ambassador Luis Arreaga met with officials of the Government of Guatemala, the diplomatic corps, civil society, and the private sector to discuss joint actions that contribute to strengthening security in the country. The reception is part of a series of meetings to address the pillars of cooperation between the U.S. and Guatemala: prosperity, citizen security …

Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga met with a group of business people, media and Guatemalan NGOs to learn about their proposals on how to work on the country’s priorities and how to contribute to the goals of prosperity, citizen security and governance. They also addressed issues such as the importance of joining their voice to the …

Ambassador Todd Robinson participated in the VisitUSA Summit to promote tourism and travel to the United States. The event was developed through several days that combined business meetings, seminars and workshops that spoke about the novelties that invite to acquire different services or visit particular destinations of that country. The Ambassador had the opportunity to …

Ambassador Todd Robinson visited the facilities of the Guatemalan Air Force to share with members of the U.S. Marine Corps Special Purpose Airborne Task Force of the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The Task Force, made up of some 300 active duty Marines and reservists, also has a presence in Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras to support …

Ambassador Todd Robinson hosted eight representatives of different U.S. companies visiting Guatemala as part of the trade mission organized by the Food Export Association, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the intention of bringing together local entrepreneurs and establishing business relationships, as part of promoting SaborUSA products. The visit also seeks to …

Ambassador Todd Robinson attended the forum for social design, marketing and social projects entitled “Conversa 17” in La Erre. The event was an initiative to promote social entrepreneurship in Guatemala and was organized by Diego Olivero, who is a former YLAI – Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative of the US Department of State – …

Ambassador Todd Robinson participated in the meeting of the group of donor countries for Guatemala, in which the United States assumed the temporary presidency of said group. The U.S. official took the opportunity to thank the Swiss mission for the leadership it has held over the last few months and stressed its commitment to continue …

Ambassador Todd Robinson participated in the inauguration of the 1st Ibero-American Symposium on Environment, Civil Aviation and Climate Change: Flying towards Sustainability. In Montreal, during the 39th International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assembly in September last year, Guatemala, Spain and the United States signed a trilateral partnership agreement: “Alliance for Sustainable Aviation” (ALAS), which will …

Ambassador Todd Robinson participated in the presentation of Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization. This agreement contributes to Guatemala’s prosperity and governance by fostering dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding between different sectors. Indigenous peoples and the private sector should work together with the Government of Guatemala as a facilitator.

The USAID Guatemala Internship Program seeks to cultivate leadership and increase opportunities for indigenous youth with social commitment, willing to create prosperity for themselves and their communities. The United States responds to the commitment to support to strengthen the formation of leaders in Guatemala with programs like this one, in which we also find the …

Ambassador Todd Robinson visited the Clinic of Infectious Diseases at Hospital Roosevelt as part of the United States’ recognition of the valuable legacy of Dr. Carlos Mejía Villatoro. He took the opportunity to thank the cooperation Dr. Mejia offered to the United States Government agencies of CDC and USAID Guatemala, and their implementing partners in the …

Ambassador Todd Robinson met with members of Global Shapers Guatemala City, an initiative of the World Economic Forum based in different cities around the world, which seeks to promote positive changes of high impact in Guatemala and inspire transformation, with the active participation of young leaders. Global Shapers are young enthusiasts who work in different …

Ambassador Todd Robinson participated alongside the First Lady of Guatemala, Patricia de Morales, and the Representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Jorge Peraza, at the inauguration of the Welcome Hall at La Aurora International Airport, to receive Returned Migrant Children and their families. Ambassador Robinson congratulated the First Lady on her leadership in …

Ambassador Todd Robinson participated in the swearing-in ceremony of 18 new volunteers from Peace Corps Guatemala, who will work to support maternal and child health issues in different communities throughout the country. The new group joined the ranks of more than 5,000 volunteers who have served in this country since 1963, who will certainly perform …

Ambassador Todd Robinson participated in the reception offered by USDA Guatemala and USMEF to officially resume the U.S. Lamb Meat Market in Guatemala. Agricultural Counselor Todd Drennan welcomed guests to the event by highlighting USDA’s ongoing efforts to maintain constant communication with the Government of Guatemala to foster trade relations between both countries. Guatemala strengthens …