The Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Central American Integration System (SICA), or their representatives, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey (hereafter referred to as the Parties), met in the City of Guatemala, on February 13, 2015 with the purpose of strengthening the relationship between SICA member countries and Turkey.

The Ministers reaffirmed the important ties of friendship and solidarity that exist between the parties and expressed their will to continue strengthening their diplomatic, political, economic and cooperation relationship.

They congratulated the incorporation of Turkey to the Central American Integration System –SICA- as an Extra Regional Observer State.

They agreed to promote the exchange of experience and the implementation of projects on the issue of Comprehensive Risk Management and Climate Change, particularly about sustainable human development, early warning mechanisms, emergency and risk prevention.

They highlighted the importance of fostering the exchange of experience for promoting and developing the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

They agreed on the importance of fostering and increasing cultural and educational relations, as an essential instrument to forge closer ties and promote greater interaction between their peoples, with a view to contribute to the enrichment of their societies.

Turkey invited the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of SICA to encourage students of SICA member countries to apply for scholarships extended by the Turkish Government.

They agreed to deepen the political cooperation between the Central American Integration System member countries (SICA) and Turkey within international organizations, in particular the United Nations, with the aim of strengthening multilateralism. They also agreed to work together to reinforce Turkey’s ties with regional organizations, mainly CELAC and the ACS.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Central American Integration System (SICA) greeted the Pro Tempore Presidency that the Republic of Turkey holds of the G-20 during the year 2015.

They also agreed to establish a mechanism of political dialogue and cooperation that fosters the development of economic, trade and investment relations between the Parties. They have decided to initiate consultations to that effect.

They highlighted the importance of promoting development cooperation, and in this regard the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of SICA expressed their gratitude for the initiatives of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in the region and welcomed the participation of the President of TIKA to the meeting.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs from SICA extended an invitation to the Republic of Turkey to analyze its incorporation as an extra regional partner of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration -BCIE-, which will contribute to the development of the region and consolidate Turkey’s regional presence.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of SICA invited Turkey to support the cooperation agencies of the region in the field of Democratic Security and to financially contribute to the projects of the Central American Security Strategy, in line with its principles.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of SICA voiced their appreciation for Turkey’s contribution to the OAS Peace Fund supporting confidence building measures between Belize and Guatemala.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of SICA and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey expressed their satisfaction for the positive outcome of this meeting and their appreciation for the Government of Guatemala, in its capacity as Pro Tempore President of SICA, and the people of the Republic of Guatemala for their warm hospitality. They took note of Turkey’s invitation to host the next Turkey-SICA Foreign Ministers Meeting in Turkey.



Guatemala City, Guatemala, 13 February 2015.