Foreign relations of Belize
This article is part of a series on the politics and government of Belize |
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Monarchy |
Administrative divisions |
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 |
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28 November 2001 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 28, 2001.[2] | |
28 February 2008 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on February 28, 2008.[3] | |
3 May 2001 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 3, 2001.[4] | |
11 September 1991 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 September 1991.[5] | |
14 May 1997 |
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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 |
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8 January 1992 |
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1 March 1983 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1983.[13] | |
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15 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] | |
1995 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1995.[17] | |
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. | ||
21 September 1981 |
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See 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. | ||
1981 | See Belize–Mexico relations
Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Belize were established in 1981.
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1981 |
Diplomatic relations between Nicaragua and Belize were established in 1981.
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1 December 1981 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1981.[22] | |
21 September 1981 |
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21 September 1981 |
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21 September 1981 |
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See 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 |
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12 February 1999 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on February 12, 1999.[26] | |
15 April 2003 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on April 15, 2003[27]. | |
1 October 2015 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on October 1, 2015. | |
See Belize–India relations | ||
11 July 2014 |
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24 November 1992 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 November 1992.[31] | |
1983 |
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November 1982 |
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7 November 2013 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 7, 2013.[38] | |
5 September 2006 |
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11 February 2000 |
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3 March 2006 |
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21 October 2015 |
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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. | ||
23 August 1995 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on August 23, 1995[44][45]. | |
14 April 1987 |
The establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Belize started on April 14, 1987.[46] | |
1989 | See 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. | |
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11 September 1996 |
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4 January 1995 |
Both countries established diplomatic relation on January 4, 1995.[51] |
Europe
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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15 February 1994 | ||
23 January 1996 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on January 23, 1996.[54][55] | |
21 July 2000 |
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15 February 1994 | ||
5 May 1999 | ||
19 June 1997 | ||
France is represented in Belize through its embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador.[65] | ||
1982 | ||
4 September 1986 |
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15 February 1994 |
Hungary is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[72] | |
7 July 2004 |
Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 7 July 2004.[73][74] | |
21 July 2000 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 2000.[75] | |
1 October 1982 | ||
30 April 2016 |
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3 February 2005 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on February 3, 2005.[80] | |
30 December 2004 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on December 30, 2004.[81] | |
25 January 1996 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on January 25, 1996.[82] | |
1 October 2004 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on October 1, 2004.[83] | |
Since 2011, Belize and Norway have an Agreement concerning the exchange of information relating to tax matters they had signed in 2010.[84] | ||
25 March 1993 |
Both countries established diplomatic relation on March 25, 1993.[85] | |
25 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 is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[86] | ||
Belize is represented in Slovenia through its embassy in Vienna.[87] | ||
Sweden is represented in Belize through its embassy in Stockholm and an honorary consulate in Belmopan.[88] | ||
1988 |
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1 October 1999 |
Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1999.[91] | |
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 |
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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.
- African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP)
- The Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL)
- Caribbean Community (Caricom)
- Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
- Commonwealth of Nations
- Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
- Group of 77 (G-77)
- Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
- International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRM)
- International Development Association (IDA)
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- Intelsat (nonsignatory user)
- Interpol
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM) (observer)
- International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Latin American Economic System (LAES)
- The United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC)
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- Universal Postal Union (UPU)
- World Confederation of Labour (WCL)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
See also
References
- ↑ "Belize embassy". www.mfa.gov.bz. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
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- ↑ http://www.dirco.gov.za/foreign/forrep/forb.htm#beli
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- ↑ http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/guatemala/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/canada_belize.aspx?lang=eng
- ↑ http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/guatemala/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/canada_belize.aspx?lang=eng
- ↑ "Belice" (in Spanish). Retrieved March 7, 2014.
- ↑ http://www.radiorebelde.cu/english/news/cuba-and-belize-celebrate-fifteenth-anniversary-of-diplomatic-relations-20100623/
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- ↑ Embassy of Mexico in Belmopan
- ↑ Ministry of foreign affairs of Belize (in English only).
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- ↑ Indian Honorary Consulate in Belize
- ↑ Belize Honorary Consulate in India
- ↑ http://www.guardian.bz/index.php?option=com_content&id=8103:belize-establishes-diplomatic-relations-with-indonesia-and-palestine
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- ↑ http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/pressroom/2010/pages/belize_foreign_minister_visits_israel_5_may_2010.aspx
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- ↑ http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticlePrintPage.aspx?id=1657377&language=en
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- ↑ http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WL0603/S01725/cablegate-belize-relations-established-with-oman.htm
- ↑ http://www.sanpedrosun.com/government/2015/10/23/belize-and-pakistan-establish-diplomatic-relations/
- ↑ Madsen, Wayne (July 18, 2011). "Israeli Math". Opinion Maker. Retrieved 2011-08-01.
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- ↑ http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/latinamerica/countries/20070803/1_24581.jsp?menu=m_30_30
- ↑ 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.
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- ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
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- ↑ [ http://www.ambafrance-sv.org/]
- ↑ http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Aussenpolitik/Laender/Laenderinfos/01-Nodes/Belize_node.html
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- ↑ http://www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/un/nyc/embassy
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- ↑ http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,217,3391
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- ↑ "Festivities for Prince Harry in Belmopan". BelmopanCityOnline.com. February 27, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
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External links
- Belizean High Commission in London, United Kingdom
- British High Commission in Belmopan
- Embassy of Belize in Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Embassy of Belize in Washington, D.C.
- Embassy of Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize City
- United States Embassy in Belmopan
- GAR
- Other Documents
- Submission of Belize/Guatemala Case to ICJ in 2009
- Summary of Legal Opinion of 25 November 2008
- Belize/Guatemala ICJ Compromis Signed at OAS in Washington, D.C. on 8 December 2008
- Compromis
- Videos
- Photographs
- Belize Leading Counsel of 19 December 2008
- Dominican Republic
- Russia
- Belize