Foreign relations of Belize

This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Belize

Belize maintains 14 embassies to foreign countries, one consulate, and three missions to international organizations.[1] In 1990, Belize became a member of the Organization of American States.

Africa

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Algeria28 November 2001

Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 28, 2001.[2]

 Botswana28 February 2008

Both countries established diplomatic relations on February 28, 2008.[3]

 Morocco3 May 2001

Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 3, 2001.[4]

 Seychelles11 September 1991

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 September 1991.[5]

 South Africa14 May 1997
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 14, 1997.[6]
  • Belize does not have any representation in South Africa.[7]
  • South Africa is represented in Belize by its High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica.[8]
 Tunisia

Both countries have passed a number of bilateral agreements.[9]

Americas

To strengthen its potential for economic and political development Belize has sought to build closer ties with the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America to complement its historical ties to the English-speaking Caribbean states. Recent foreign policy initiatives include joining with the other Central American countries in signing the CONCAUSA Agreement on regional sustainable development and becoming a full member of the Central American Integration System (SICA) Belize is a member of CARICOM which was founded in 1973.

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Argentina8 January 1992
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1992.[10]
  • In 2013 both countries have an agreement on Technical cooperation.[11]
  • Argentina is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[12]
 Brazil1 March 1983

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1983.[13]

 Canada
 Colombia15 February 1982

On February 15, 1982, formal relations were established. Colombia's embassy in Belize closed in 2002 in order to cut down on costs though the embassy of Colombia in El Salvador is also concurrent to Belize. On April 17, 2013, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia in order to strengthen relations.[16]

 Cuba1995

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1995.[17]

 Dominican Republic

Belize has an embassy in Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is represented in Belize through a non-resident ambassador in Santo Domingo and an honorary consulate in Belmopan.

Both countries are members of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Group of 77.

 Dominica21 September 1981
 GuatemalaSee Belize–Guatemala relations

Belize's principal external concern has been the dispute involving the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory. Initially a dispute between formerly Spanish Guatemala and the United Kingdom's colony of British Honduras, Guatemala continued its claim after Belizean independence in 1981; it recognized its neighbour's independence one decade later, in 1991. The dispute remains unresolved.

 Mexico1981See Belize–Mexico relations

Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Belize were established in 1981.

 Nicaragua1981

Diplomatic relations between Nicaragua and Belize were established in 1981.

 Panama1 December 1981

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1981.[22]

 Saint Lucia21 September 1981
 Saint Kitts and Nevis21 September 1981
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines21 September 1981
 United StatesSee Belize–United States relations

Belize-United States relations have traditionally been close and cordial. The United States is Belize's principal trading partner and major source of investment funds. It is also home to the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated to be 70,000 strong. Because Belize's economic growth and accompanying democratic political stability are important U.S. objectives, Belize benefits from the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative.

As a member of CARICOM Belize strongly backed efforts by the United States to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 940 designed to facilitate the departure of Haiti's de facto authorities from power. The country agreed to contribute military personnel to the Multinational Task Force which restored the democratically elected Government of Haiti in October 1994 and to the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH).

Belize is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the American military (as covered under Article 98).

International crime issues dominate the agenda of bilateral relations between the United States and Belize. The United States is working closely with the Government of Belize to fight illicit narcotics trafficking, and both governments seek to control the flow of illegal migrants to the United States through Belize. Belize and the United States brought into force a stolen vehicle treaty, an extradition treaty, and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between 2001 and 2003.

The United States is the largest provider of economic assistance to Belize, contributing $2.5 million in various bilateral economic and military aid programs to Belize in FY 2006. Of this amount, nearly $500,000 was provided by the U.S. Military Liaison Office. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) closed its Belize office in August 1996 after a 13-year program during which USAID provided $110 million worth of development assistance to Belize. Belize still benefits from USAID regional programs. In addition, during the past 42 years, almost 2,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Belize. As of April 2007, the Peace Corps had 58 volunteers working in Belize.

Until the end of 2002, Voice of America operated a medium-wave radio relay station in Punta Gorda that broadcast to the neighboring countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. military has a diverse and growing assistance program in Belize that included the construction and renovation of several schools and youth hostels, medical assistance programs, and drug reduction programs. Private North American investors continue to play a key role in Belize's economy, particularly in the tourism sector.


Asia

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Armenia12 February 1999

Both countries established diplomatic relations on February 12, 1999.[26]

 East Timor15 April 2003

Both countries established diplomatic relations on April 15, 2003[27].

 Georgia1 October 2015

Both countries established diplomatic relations on October 1, 2015.

 IndiaSee Belize–India relations
  • India has an honorary consulate in Belize City.[28]
  • Belize maintains an honorary consulate in New Delhi.[29]
 Indonesia11 July 2014
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 July 2014.[30]
 Iran24 November 1992

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 November 1992.[31]

 Israel1983
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1983.[32]
  • Belize is represented in Israel through its embassy in London.[33]
  • Israeli is represented in Israel through its embassy in San Salvador.[34]
  • Since 2011, both countries have an AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL AND THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE ON VISA EXEMPTION FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC, SERVICE AND NATIONAL PASSPORTS.[35]
 JapanNovember 1982
  • Both countries established diplomatic relation in November 1982.[36]
  • Japan is represented in Belize through its embassy in Kingston, Jamaica.[37]
 Kazakhstan7 November 2013

Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 7, 2013.[38]

 Kuwait5 September 2006
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 2006.[39]
 Maldives11 February 2000
 Oman3 March 2006
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 March 2006.[41]
 Pakistan21 October 2015
 Palestine

Under the previous premiership of Said Musa, Belize remained a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights and shunned relations with Israel due to the latter's military and intelligence support for Guatemala.[43] Since the election of Dean Barrow in 2008, however, relations with Israel have improved considerably. In June 2011, Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington met with Israeli envoy Danny Ayalon to discuss an upcoming resolution in September aimed at recognising a Palestinian state. Following the meeting, Ayalon claimed that he had gained the support of Belize in opposing the resolution. However, on September 9, the Belizean Foreign Ministry issued an official statement recognizing the State of Palestine with the borders prior to the Six-Day War.

 Singapore23 August 1995

Both countries established diplomatic relations on August 23, 1995[44][45].

 South Korea14 April 1987

The establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Belize started on April 14, 1987.[46]

 Taiwan1989See Belize–Taiwan relations

Belize recognizes the Republic of China (ROC, commonly known as Taiwan)[47] as the sole legitimate government of China. Relations were established between Belize and the ROC in 1989.

 Turkey
  • The Turkish Embassy in Mexico City is accredited to Belize and Turkey has an Honorary Consul in Belize City.[48]
  • Belize has an Honorary Consulate in Izmir.[49]
 Turkmenistan11 September 1996
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 September 1996.[50]
 Vietnam4 January 1995

Both countries established diplomatic relation on January 4, 1995.[51]

Europe

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Bulgaria15 February 1994
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 15 February 1994.[52]
  • Bulgaria is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[53]
 Croatia23 January 1996

Both countries established diplomatic relations on January 23, 1996.[54][55]

 Cyprus21 July 2000
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on July 21, 2000.[56]
  • Cyprus is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico.[57]
  • Both countries are members of Commonwealth of Nations.
 Czech Republic15 February 1994
  • The Czech Republic is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City[58] and has an honorary consulate.[59]
  • Belize has an honorary consulate in Prague.[60]
 Estonia5 May 1999
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 5, 1999.[61]
  • Estonia has an honorary consulate in Belize.[62]
 Finland19 June 1997
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on June 19, 1997.[63]
  • Finland is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Belize City.[64]
 France

France is represented in Belize through its embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador.[65]

 Germany1982
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982.[66]
  • Germany is represented in Belize through its embassy in Guatemala.[67]
 Greece4 September 1986
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1986.[68]
  • Belize's Embassy in Mexico has parallel accreditation for Greece. Belize has an Honorary Consulate in Athens since 1992.[69][70]
  • Greece does not have any representation in Belize, its embassy in Mexico is also accredited to Belize.[71]
 Hungary15 February 1994

Hungary is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[72]

 Iceland7 July 2004

Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 7 July 2004.[73][74]

 Ireland21 July 2000

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 2000.[75]

 Italy1 October 1982
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1982.[76]
  • Belize has 2 honorary consulates in Palermo and Milano.[77]
  • Italy is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate.[78]
 Kosovo30 April 2016
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 2016.[79]
 Latvia3 February 2005

Both countries established diplomatic relations on February 3, 2005.[80]

 Lithuania30 December 2004

Both countries established diplomatic relations on December 30, 2004.[81]

 Macedonia25 January 1996

Both countries established diplomatic relations on January 25, 1996.[82]

 Malta1 October 2004

Both countries established diplomatic relations on October 1, 2004.[83]

 Norway

Since 2011, Belize and Norway have an Agreement concerning the exchange of information relating to tax matters they had signed in 2010.[84]

 Romania25 March 1993

Both countries established diplomatic relation on March 25, 1993.[85]

 Russia25 June 1991

Both countries have established diplomatic relations on June 25, 1991. Belize immediately recognized Russia as the USSR's successor after the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Russia is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Belize City.

 Slovakia

Slovakia is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[86]

 Slovenia

Belize is represented in Slovenia through its embassy in Vienna.[87]

 Sweden

Sweden is represented in Belize through its embassy in Stockholm and an honorary consulate in Belmopan.[88]

  Switzerland1988
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1988.[89]
  • Switzerland is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and since 1996 an honorary consulate in Belize City.[90]
 Ukraine1 October 1999

Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1999.[91]

 United Kingdom

Belize is a member of the Commonwealth and was granted independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. Formerly known as British Honduras, the British maintained a garrison in Belize well into the 1990s, until Guatemala, which has always claimed sovereignty of the country, signed a treaty recognizing Belize's independence. The United Kingdom maintains a training center for the army in Belize.

On March 3, 2012, Prince Harry visited Belize on a tour of Commonwealth countries in the region as the Queen's representative in her Diamond Jubilee, making this his first solo royal tour. There he renamed Zennia Boulevard (also known as Cohune Walk Boulevard) in the capital to "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard", in honour of his grandmother.[92]

The United Kingdom has a High Commission in Belmopan, whilst Belize also has one in London.


Oceania

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Australia
 New Zealand

New Zealand is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[94]


Belize and the Commonwealth of Nations

Belize has been a member state of the Commonwealth since 1981, when it became an independent Commonwealth realm.

Multilateral membership

Belize is a member of the following multilateral bodies.

See also

References

  1. "Belize embassy". www.mfa.gov.bz. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  2. http://www.dirco.gov.za/foreign/forrep/forb.htm#beli
  3. http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/guatemala/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/canada_belize.aspx?lang=eng
  4. http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/guatemala/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/canada_belize.aspx?lang=eng
  5. "Belice" (in Spanish). Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  6. http://www.radiorebelde.cu/english/news/cuba-and-belize-celebrate-fifteenth-anniversary-of-diplomatic-relations-20100623/
  7. Embassy of Mexico in Belmopan
  8. Ministry of foreign affairs of Belize (in English only).
  9. Indian Honorary Consulate in Belize
  10. Belize Honorary Consulate in India
  11. http://www.guardian.bz/index.php?option=com_content&id=8103:belize-establishes-diplomatic-relations-with-indonesia-and-palestine
  12. http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/pressroom/2010/pages/belize_foreign_minister_visits_israel_5_may_2010.aspx
  13. http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticlePrintPage.aspx?id=1657377&language=en
  14. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WL0603/S01725/cablegate-belize-relations-established-with-oman.htm
  15. http://www.sanpedrosun.com/government/2015/10/23/belize-and-pakistan-establish-diplomatic-relations/
  16. Madsen, Wayne (July 18, 2011). "Israeli Math". Opinion Maker. Retrieved 2011-08-01.
  17. http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/latinamerica/countries/20070803/1_24581.jsp?menu=m_30_30
  18. In 1949, the Republic of China government led by the Kuomintang (KMT) lost the Chinese Civil War to the Communist Party of China (CPC) and set up a provisional capital in Taipei. The CPC established the People's Republic. As such, the political status of the ROC and the legal status of Taiwan (alongside the territories currently under ROC jurisdiction) are in dispute. In 1971, the United Nations gave the China seat to the PRC instead of the ROC: most states recognize the PRC to be the sole legitimate representative of all China, and the UN classifies Taiwan as "Taiwan, Province of China". The ROC has de facto relations with most sovereign states. A significant political movement within Taiwan advocates Taiwan independence. The Republic of China participates in the World Health Organization and a number of non-UN international organizations such as the World Trade Organization, International Olympic Committee and others under a variety of pseudonyms, most commonly Chinese Taipei.
  19. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  20. [ http://www.ambafrance-sv.org/]
  21. http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Aussenpolitik/Laender/Laenderinfos/01-Nodes/Belize_node.html
  22. http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/un/nyc/embassy
  23. http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,217,3391
  24. "Festivities for Prince Harry in Belmopan". BelmopanCityOnline.com. February 27, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
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 This article incorporates public domain material from the CIA World Factbook website https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html.  This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Department of State website http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/index.htm (U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets).

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