October 31, 2024, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, led a delegation to visit Belize. On the 29th, he held bilateral talks with Belizean Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca and attended a reception hosted by Fonseca to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Belize. Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño, the Speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives, several cabinet members, and foreign diplomatic envoys were present at the reception.
Minister Joseph Wu arrived in Belize on the afternoon of the 29th and immediately went to the Belizean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was warmly welcomed by Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca. The two Foreign Ministers engaged in bilateral talks, exchanging views on issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, Joseph Wu thanked the Belizean government for its longstanding support for Taiwan’s participation in various international organizations such as the United Nations, WHO, ICAO, UNFCCC, and INTERPOL. He also appreciated Belize’s concern for safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against threats from the Chinese Communist Party.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan stated that both Taiwan and Belize reviewed progress in various areas of cooperation, including infrastructure, public health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, information technology, culture, education, and women’s empowerment, acknowledging the achievements of these collaborative projects.
The two Foreign Ministers subsequently held a joint press conference to release a joint statement marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Belize, showcasing the strong friendship and fruitful cooperation between the two countries. Joseph Wu mentioned during the press conference that after more than two years of effort, significant progress has been made in the case of exporting Belizean shrimp to Taiwan. The inspection stage is currently underway, and he hoped that Belizean aquatic products could enter Taiwan soon after completing the necessary procedures.
Joseph Wu emphasized that both Taiwan and Belize cherish peace and uphold values of freedom, democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Building upon these shared ideals, the two countries continue to deepen their relationship. By exchanging Taiwan’s experiences, the cooperation between the two nations expands in areas such as smart agriculture, talent development, public health, ICT, clean energy, and infrastructure development. Taiwan is committed to achieving mutual prosperity and development with Belize.
Following the press conference, Minister Fonseca hosted a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Belize and welcomed Joseph Wu to the event. Prime Minister John Briceño, the Speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives, several cabinet members, and foreign diplomatic envoys were in attendance. Minister Fonseca delivered congratulatory remarks and raised a toast, while Joseph Wu reiterated his gratitude for Belize’s unwavering support for the friendship between Taiwan and Belize, as well as Taiwan’s international participation. As the Taiwan-Belize relationship enters a new milestone, he looked forward to deepening their partnership and ensuring the enduring friendship between the two nations.
On the 30th, Joseph Wu held a breakfast meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño to discuss mutual concerns and the progress of important bilateral cooperation projects, as well as exchanged views on future directions. Prime Minister Briceño mentioned the urgent need to rebuild the Belcan Bridge in Belize City due to its deteriorated condition, which poses a threat to public safety and well-being. In response, Joseph Wu pledged Taiwan’s assistance within its capabilities. Following the breakfast meeting, they went together to survey the site.
Later, Prime Minister Briceño accompanied Minister Joseph Wu to the San Pedro town, a popular tourist destination in Belize, to inspect the “San Pedro Hospital Project” funded by Taiwan. Joseph Wu received a briefing on local economic and social development by Minister of Blue Economy Andre Perez, followed by a presentation on the hospital project by Minister of Health Kevin Bernard, and then proceeded to visit the hospital construction site.
During his speech, Joseph Wu emphasized the importance of enhancing healthcare services for the people of Belize, a key policy of Prime Minister Briceño. He also expressed gratitude for the support of the Belizean Prime Minister and cabinet members towards Taiwan’s participation in the global public health system. Joseph Wu acknowledged the progress and significance of the “San Pedro Hospital Project,” hoping that the hospital would be completed as scheduled to provide high-quality medical services for local residents and increasing tourists, thereby improving the well-being of the Belizean people.
Prime Minister Briceño extended a special invitation for Minister Joseph Wu to take a helicopter tour to admire the beauty of Belize’s marine protected areas. Joseph Wu highlighted Belize’s economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and praised the innovative approach taken by Prime Minister Briceño to promote “blue bonds” for debt reduction, which has earned positive evaluations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on various economic indicators over the past two years. He expressed hope for further collaboration between Taiwan and Belize in areas such as carbon rights, ecological conservation, and green tourism, contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of global marine resources.
Minister Joseph Wu and his delegation concluded their visit to San Pedro Island and returned to Belize International Airport. They were seen off by Prime Minister Briceño and Foreign Minister Fonseca before departing Belize.