Belize and Taiwan Celebrate 35 Years of Diplomatic Friendship with New Resolution

This morning’s House Meeting also saw a resolution passed in parliament to celebrate Belize’s 35th friendship anniversary with the Republic of China (Taiwan).  Prime Minister John Briceno presented the resolution indicating that October 11 will mark three and a half decades since the two countries established diplomatic ties.  He added that the two countries share similar views on human rights, freedom and democracy, and that Belize has benefited in many ways through this bilateral relations.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Throughout the 35 years of friendship and alliance Belize and Taiwan have continuously supported each other and closely cooperated in areas of mutual interest, including climate change, health, agriculture, education and gender equality. And whereas all bilateral cooperation projects between Belize and Taiwan including infrastructure development, enhancing digital literacy and accessibility, agricultural development, urban resilience and disaster prevention, metabolic chronic disease prevention, women entrepreneurship and empowerment, Mandarin teaching and talent cultivation are currently proceeding smoothly. And whereas following the successful state visit of Her Excellency Dr.Tsai Ing Wen President of the Republic of China Taiwan to Belize in early April 2023 further strengthened and expanded cooperation between the governments of Taiwan and Belize in infrastructure and medical care, low income housing and renovation of the National Assembly building showcasing the strong partnership between the two nations.”

While several members of Parliament rose to support the resolution on Taiwan, the Leader of the Opposition, Moses Shyne Barrow, didn’t.  Collet’s Area Representative, Patrick Faber, did support the resolution.

Patrick Faber, Member for Collet: “We express our full support. There is one opposition, it’s an opposition to the government, his Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. On behalf of the opposition we express our full support for this motion to commemorate and celebrate 35 years of diplomatic ties between Belize and the Republic of China Taiwan. This longstanding partnership has been built on mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to democracy, freedom and human rights. Belize’s relationship with Taiwan has seen cooperation in critical areas such as infrastructure Development, education and I was very pleased Madam Speaker in the thirteen years that I was Minister of Education to be a part of ceremonies to send hundreds of Belizeans to Taiwan in order to get their education to contribute to Belize’s development. Healthcare as well and climate change resilience. We recognize, Madam Speaker, and applaud Taiwan’s continuous contribution to Belize’s development especially in enhancing digital literacy, agricultural development and disaster preparedness. Taiwan’s partnership has played a vital role in strengthening our nation’s capacity to address challenges and its unwavering support for Belize has been instrumental in various areas of our national development.”

Also rising to support the resolution were Oscar Requena for Toledo West; Dolores Balderamos Garcia for Belize Rural Central; Rodwell Ferguson for Stann Creek West and Dr Dr Osmond Martinez for Toledo East.  Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Lily Li-Wen Hsu was present at today’s meeting as a special guest.