Belize and Guatemala Reaffirm Commitment to ICJ Ruling in 2025

Prime Minister John Briceno has announced that both Belize and Guatemala have reiterated its commitment to abide by the ICJ’s ruling come 2025, and to have the border demarcated.  In his address recently in Guatemala, PM Briceno noted that both countries have complied by submitting written memorandums to the court and to date, they are waiting for the court to set a date for the oral hearings.  With a final solution expected to be delivered next year, PM Briceno says this will aid in having both countries move forward with the bilateral agenda.  That bilateral agenda was at the center of meetings held over the past few days in Guatemala.  Prime Minister Briceno led a delegation of public and private sector representatives to Guatemala where several mutually beneficial issues were discussed.  The meetings concluded earlier today in which Guatemala expressed support for Belize to become a member of the Council of Ministers of Finance of Central America (COSEFIN).  Guatemala will also support Belize’s bid to join the Central American Integration System (SIECA) in an observer capacity.  In the area of trade and commerce, Belize will explore advancements in the deep-south to establish a formal interconnection between the villages of Jalacte, Toledo District and Santa Cruz, Guatemala.  According to PM Briceno, the interconnection would increase economic opportunities in these communities.  He added in his presentation that with Belize and Guatemala already having a PSA in place, both countries will now be looking at a full implementation of the agreement.  Another issue that came up was the need for Belize to expand its energy sources.  Belize has been working at becoming a part of the Central American electricity grid known as SIEPAC.  PM Briceno noted that both countries have recognized the importance of having means of energy that are sustainable, reliable and affordable.  It is in this vein that Belize will continue its efforts to interconnect bilaterally to the regional grid.  The delegation is expected back home tomorrow.