Cabinet Approves Establishing Diplomatic Relations Between Belize and Sri Lanka

Cabinet has officially approved the signing of a joint statement to establish diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka. The proposal was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, reportedly, with a view to opening new avenues for collaboration and exchange between the two countries.  Speaking on the process in establishing ties with another nation was Government Minister Henry Usher.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Governance: “It’s a process that starts, of course, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They have their technical team that are constantly reaching out to different countries trying to establish friendly relations with as many countries as possible. And then they bring the matter to the cabinet to say we have reached out to  whatever country the diplomatic relations is being proposed and we believe that this is something for the benefit of the people of Belize. Having a proper diplomatic relation, you know, being part of the world community is important for Belize. There are many issues that we might share with other countries, certainly issues looking at climate change for instance, looking at the right to self-determination which is an existential issue for Belize. These are all issues that we might share with other countries and so we need to hear from them, develop the relationship with them and look out to make sure that it’s in the best interest of Belize. So it starts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The recommendation is made by them and then of course we make a decision and we move forward.”

Love News understands that the establishment of diplomatic relations with Belize is part of a larger plan for Sri Lanka to extend its diplomatic footprint in the region, particularly Latin America and the Caribbean. Those other countries include Guatemala, Suriname, Honduras, Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.