Japan, Belize Pledge Stronger Ties

On December 14, for approximately 20 minutes, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwaya Takeshi, held a bilateral meeting with Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Francis Fonseca.

Minister Fonseca was in Japan to attend the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference.

Minister Iwaya welcomed Minister Fonseca’s visit, noting the significance of the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial Conference and expressing Japan’s intention to sustain the momentum for stronger relations with Belize in 2025, which will mark the Japan-SICA Friendship Year. He highlighted Japan’s decade-long support for overcoming the unique vulnerabilities faced by low-lying coastal states and promoting sustainable development, guided by Japan’s three-pillar CARICOM policy.

In response, Minister Fonseca expressed his gratitude for Japan’s ongoing cooperation and emphasised Belize’s hopes for continued partnership. Both ministers affirmed their commitment to deepening Japan-CARICOM ties and strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Belize. They also agreed on the importance of fostering continuous dialogue to reinforce their relationship.