(From Central News Agency Report)

The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Guatemala held a "Ministry of National Defense Scholarship Certificate Awarding Ceremony" today. A total of 11 Guatemalan awardees were recognized, including 6 military officers and 5 military academy students. They will soon depart for Taiwan in March to further their military education. In addition to the scholarship recipients, Ambassador Chang Chun-fei also represented the government in welcoming the Guatemalan Air Force pilots and military doctors who will travel to Taiwan for training in June. Some of them are visiting Taiwan for the first time, while others have previously studied at Taiwanese military academies. Ambassador Chang emphasized, "Taiwan is your second home."

Among this year's 11 awardees, the most special one is Abimael Lopez, a Guatemalan military academy student who previously studied at the Taiwan Naval Academy in 2019. This time, he will pursue a Master's degree in Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering at the National Defense University's College of Science and Technology. "Abimael" is not only his Chinese name but also someone who speaks fluent Chinese. In an interview with Central News Agency, Abimael said that in addition to the valuable military education he received at the Naval Academy, Taiwanese classmates not only offered substantial help in courses but also treated foreign students like family, especially during the Lunar New Year. Taiwanese classmates invited him to their homes, where he had the opportunity to enjoy the New Year's Eve dinner and experience the festive family atmosphere. The warmth and hospitality of Taiwan left a deep and lasting impression on him.