Finding Fortitude in International Relations During Pandemic From Europe to Guatemala

How do we continue to grow international relations when the world is still on shut down due to the pandemic? As much as technology has brought the world closer it can also tear us apart. We can go on Facebook, Instagram, and Zoom conferences all day long. But the fatigue of being on computers and cell phone screens week after week seems to be wearing us down. It is being discovered that we still need a personal connection, especially when it comes to creating good faith between continents.

When the virus gets under control the world will start again to have business plans and tourism projections. Countries will open up borders again fully and international money will flow with ease. We have to continue to create work around the planet. For decades Acisclo Valladares Molina has been doing this and it is focus like his that will get the world back on their feet. Currently he serves his country as the official Ambassador of Guatemala to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Concurrent in Ireland, Arabian Gulf States and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Permanent representative to the African Union. Buildng bridges of unity has been his number one goal as his position has allowed him to create a notable increase in British tourism to Guatemala. Helping build the economy up with travel has brought in funds and work for those in his home borders. It is perhaps one of his biggest accomplishments because of the great benefit he has brought to the people. And it was all done with handshakes and phone calls. In person men and women like him can change the world.

As stated by Mahatma Gandhi once, “ You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

That is what the world needs right now. We all need to focus on how to get back to business. At the beginning of Ambassador Acisclo Valladares Molina’s term in the United Kingdom, British tourism to Guatemala was inconsequential. With great strides and strong political ties built by Molina it now stands together with that of Spanish tourism as the top tourism income from Europe to Guatemala. The country is now included in British universities as a destination for Spanish learning students.

During the ambassador’s term ACTIS, known as the British investment fund, has invested over $300 million, which makes a significant difference to the country. In addition, the policy implemented by Ambassador Acisclo Valladares Molina working with the Arabian Gulf has given results when the Guatemalan Embassy to Israel was moved to Jerusalem. It was here that Guatemalan relations with the Gulf have been at their best, and cardamom exports have increased to US $600 million. Another great example of his work was demonstrated in 2010 when Guatemala exported $300,000 worth of banana produce to the United Kingdom. In 2019, these exports grew to $7.2 million, an increase of 2,300% as documented.

Here is to all countries excelling and thriving again in the near future. Business and tourism may be side notes for now, but in the coming year we can all hope that good planning and good political international relations will make us all prosper again.