New Foreign Affairs CEO Launches Diplomatic Push to Advance Belize’s Trade and Regional Ties

Belize’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Ambassador Oscar Arnold, has begun a series of diplomatic and trade engagements aimed at advancing the country’s foreign policy and economic interests.

Just weeks after assuming office, Arnold has met with representatives from international organizations and foreign governments as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and maintain Belize’s presence within regional and international forums.  Among those engagements was a courtesy meeting with United Nations Resident Coordinator Raul Salazar, where discussions focused on sustainable development initiatives and ongoing cooperation between Belize and agencies within the United Nations system. Arnold also met with Acting UNICEF Representative Sajid Ali to discuss continued collaboration on programs affecting the welfare and development of Belizean children.  On the diplomatic front, the CEO held talks with El Salvador’s Ambassador to Belize, Graciela Pérez. Discussions reportedly centered on cooperation in health and defense, as well as preparations for a trade mission related to the proposed Partial Scope Agreement between Belize and El Salvador. The officials also exchanged views on regional integration matters, including Belize’s upcoming assumption of the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Central American Integration System, or SICA.  Arnold also met with Guatemalan Ambassador Erwin Archila Falla. Their discussions included the ongoing Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute before the International Court of Justice, as well as issues affecting communities along the shared border. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining communication and peaceful relations while the legal process continues.

Meanwhile, discussions with Panamanian Ambassador David Castro de León focused on opportunities for cooperation in areas including trade, tourism, education, culture, and regional security. The meeting also touched on preparations for the upcoming General Assembly of the Organization of American States, which Panama will host.  Trade and economic matters also featured prominently on the regional agenda this week. Minister of State for Foreign Trade Marconi Leal Junior led Belize’s delegation to the Sixty-Second Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development in Guyana. During the meeting, Belize provided updates on developments within the citrus industry and the progress of the Caribbean Sugar Refinery project while participating in discussions on regional trade and economic integration.

The series of meetings represents the first major round of diplomatic engagements undertaken since Arnold’s appointment as CEO.