New Southbound Policy Portal

President Tsai accepts Belize ambassador’s credentials, pledges to boost bilateral ties

President Tsai Ing-wen said April 20 that Taiwan is working closely with Belize in expanding exchanges across an array of areas while exploring new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
 
The government is leaving no stone unturned in deepening friendship and collaboration with the administration of recently sworn-in Prime Minister John Briceno, Tsai said. The strength of the long-standing relationship is underscored by countries celebrating the 32nd anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, she added.
 
Taiwan and Belize are partnering to great effect in a variety of fields such as agriculture, education, health care, information communication technology and infrastructure, Tsai said. Prime examples include combating COVID-19 and 2020-inked agreements on air services, economic cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, she added.
 
Tsai made the remarks while accepting the credentials of Candice Pitts, new ambassador of Central American ally Belize to the ROC (Taiwan) at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Other officials in attendance included David Tawei Lee, secretary-general to the president, and Jaushieh Joseph Wu, minister of foreign affairs.
 
According to Tsai, Pitts is an educator and politician previously serving as a Belize City Council member. Her experiences in listening to and meeting the needs of the people will help lay the groundwork for more tie-ups between Taiwan and Belize in important areas like gender equality and women’s empowerment, she said.
 
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “Pomp & pageantry galore at the Presidential Office as Minister Wu accompanied @iingwen during the presentation of Amb. Pitts’ credentials. #Taiwan & #CentralAmerica ally #Belize are true friends & partners in prosperity working together in advancing sustainable development.”
 
In response, Briceno tweeted “Bravo #Belize and #Taiwan looking forward to great things to come.” (YCH-E)
 
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