Belize and EU Reaffirm Ties at High-Level Dialogue in Belmopan

Belize and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger partnership yesterday during a high-level Partnership Dialogue held in Belmopan. The talks, co-chaired by Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca and EU Ambassador Erja Askola, focused on key areas including development cooperation, regional stability, and global challenges. Progress was reviewed on projects under the 11th European Development Fund, with new initiatives under the EU’s development instrument supporting green growth and border management in Belize’s south. The EU also shared updates on regional programs that benefit Belize, including climate change, trade, and good governance. Crucially, both sides discussed the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, aimed at boosting investment in areas such as digital transformation, health, and education. Belize expressed its interest in joining the Schengen visa waiver list. The dialogue also addressed international security, including the situations in Haiti, Gaza, and Ukraine, and Belize updated the EU on regional integration within CARICOM and SICA. The ongoing Guatemala claim before the International Court of Justice was another major point of discussion, with the EU voicing continued support for confidence-building in the Adjacency Zone. Both parties pledged to strengthen collaboration ahead of the EU-CELAC Summit in Colombia this November.