Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – On Monday, January 6, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) received the Republic of Guatemala’s highest honor: The Order of the Quetzal. The award was presented by the president of Guatemala Jimmy Morales Cabrera.
This award comes as a recognition of Congressman Gonzalez’s support for the U.S. – Guatemala relationship. Congressman Gonzalez has staunchly advocated for both countries to continue working on ways to create educational and employment opportunities, increase economic investment and prosperity, and cooperate on matters of national security.
“Our country’s relationship with Guatemala and Central America is more than strategic interest; it is based on mutual respect that both our nations have developed throughout the years. Continued cooperation is without a doubt the key to achieve the goals our countries have each set to accomplish,” said Congressman Gonzalez.
“I am proud and humbled to receive this distinction and join the ranks of those that have received this honor before me. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the government of Guatemala for nominating me for this prestigious award, including my esteemed friends, Guatemalan Ambassador to the U.S. Manuel Espina and President Morales.”
Congressman Gonzalez also met with the President of the Congress of Guatemala Alvaro Arzú Escobar and other high-ranking officials.
The president and ambassador of Guatemala both praised Gonzalez’s efforts to address issues in Central America that impact South Texas.
The Order of the Quetzal is an award that acknowledges foreign officials, organizations, and people who have given back to the nation of Guatemala whose artistic, civic, humanitarian, or scientific work merits special recognition.
Since joining Congress in 2017, Congressman Gonzalez has participated in several Congressional bipartisan delegations to understand the importance of the U.S. – Guatemala relationship and the value and necessity of strong cultural, diplomatic, and trade relations in the Western Hemisphere. The congressman believes that investing in the economic stability of Guatemala and Central America is the most practical solution to stem the tide of mass migration to our southern border.
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