Taiwan Foreign Minister Visits Belize, Announces Two New Development Projects

Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-Lung announced the approval of two new projects on day one of his official visit to Belize. Yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca met with Minister Lin as the countries celebrate thirty-five years of diplomatic relations. It is Lin’s first official visit to the country since assuming office in May and follows a visit from Prime Minister John Briceno to the island nation earlier this year. Both nations have expressed a commitment to furthering the friendship and offering support where possible.  Yesterday, a press conference was held at the Leigh Richardson Building in Belmopan where Minister Fonseca spoke on the meetings the foreign minister will engage in during his short visit. 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “This year, of course, we celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations between Belize and Taiwan. And Taiwan has proven over those 35 years to be a very valuable partner and very consistent partner and ally and friend of Belize’s development. So we’re very happy to welcome Minister Lin and his delegation to Belize to continue to discuss new and creative and innovative ways for us to expand that partnership and deepen that friendship for the benefit of our two peoples, for the people of Belize and also for the people of Taiwan. Belize of course continues to be very clear in our position that Taiwan must be a nation that is respected. Taiwan, like Belize, is a country committed to democracy, committed to the rule of law, and so Belize continues to be a strong ally and supporter of Taiwan’s right to self-determination. At the United Nations General Assembly recently in New York, we made that point on the international stage Taiwan is an example of a country that has developed tremendously because of innovation, because of creativity, because of hard work. And so Taiwan has so much to offer with the rest of the world. So again, Minister, we are very happy to have you in Belize and we look forward to the remainder of your visit with us.”

Apart from visiting the site of several ongoing projects, including the hospital site on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Minister Lin stated he discussed two new projects with government officials yesterday.

Lin Chia-Lung, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs: “We have discussed some very important cooperation projects and we also reviewed the progress and outcomes of these ongoing projects and explored directions for further cooperation. We are very satisfied with the result and fully committed to further strengthening our robust relationship. For instance, I am grateful to announce that after two years of efforts, significant progress has been made on the issue of importing shrimps from Belize to Taiwan and we are now entering the on-site inspections phase. Once this is successfully completed and any outstanding issues addressed inter-ministerial talks will go ahead and our government looks forward to opening Taiwan’s market to Belizean seafood very soon. In particular with your famous Marie Sharps from Belize very popular in Taiwan. I can guarantee for that. During this meeting I also announced that the Government of Taiwan, in response to Prime Minister Briceño’s request during his visit to Taiwan in May, has agreed to provide financial support for the reconstruction of Belcan Bridge in Belize City. We understand that this is a pressing issue concerning the city’s transportation safety and its relevance.” 

Belize is one of several stops in this region for Minister Lin. Last week he was in Guatemala to celebrate the 90th anniversary of bilateral ties with Taiwan. During Lin’s meeting, on Friday, with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, and emphasized Taiwan’s loyalty and reliability as an ally, citing its assistance with hospital construction and donations of essential medicines, medical equipment, and fire-fighting equipment.