Mission to Guatemala

27 August 2009

The Executive Director, Mr Néstor Osorio, visited Guatemala from 27 to 31 August 2009 to discuss the arrangements for the next ICO World Coffee Conference which will take place in Guatemala City from 26 to 27 February 2010. During his visit Mr Osorio and the Directors of ANACAFÉ were received by the President of Guatemala, H.E. Mr. Álvaro Colom Caballeros. Mr Osorio expressed his appreciation to the President for hosting the 2010 Conference and agreeing to chair it, and conveyed the pleasure of ICO Member Governments in attending this event. President Colom confirmed that all the necessary preparations to achieve a successful conference were in hand, and noted the significance of this global coffee event for Guatemala. Mr Osorio also met the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Roger Haroldo Rodas Melgar who confirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Conference, and indicated that arrangements for protocol and other services to facilitate the arrival of international delegates to Guatemala were in place. The Executive Director had very productive meetings with the Organizing Committee and members of ANACAFÉ, and was pleased to see that the logistical and organizational preparations for the Conference were well advanced.