Belize and Guatemala have agreed to improve bilateral relations in the areas of commerce, national security, migration, education, culture and medicine, according to statements made today in Guatemala city where Belize Prime Minister John Briceño met with Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei. The two Central American leaders spoke at an official press conference following an early-morning meeting of delegations from both countries. (Image above from left to right Belize Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay, Belize Prime Minister John Briceño, Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei and Guatemala Foreign Minster Pedro Brolo).
The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, implementation of bilateral agreements and strengthening of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and SICA (Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana) relations. SICA Member States are Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic as Associated Member State.
In his remarks, President Giammattei said “I wish to point out that this is an historic event in that two countries that are neighbours, that have common challenges, have agreed to start work on these joint challenges, improve commerce between both countries, promote investments and investment security. And that these investments are reciprocal, both from Belize in Guatemala, and from Guatemala in Belize. We will be further developing the exchange of information to develop trade and national security. I wish to reiterate to you Mr. Prime Minister, the commitment I have made to you that my government will be that which has the best of relations with the government of Belize so that we may move forward to build economic recovery for our two nations and that we can work together towards making our people have better living conditions.”
For his part Prime Minister Briceño said “I am glad that you have decided to be the president that will work to strengthen relations between Belize and Guatemala. At the end of the day, if the political leadership sees our sincere desire to work together, our officials and technocrats will follow our example and make this effort work. I undertake to have my government move quickly to have the accords we have reached today be implemented as soon as possible.”