US Senators Urge Biden Administration to Increase Focus on Relationship with Belize

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues, penned a letter to the Biden Administration. They expressed their endorsement for giving more attention to Belize within the U.S. strategy aimed at tackling the underlying causes of irregular migration. The letter underscores Belize as a key democratic ally of the United States and emphasizes the necessity for heightened focus and resources to counter the increasing menace posed by foreign malign and criminal elements.

“Belize is experiencing a rise in the same risk factors that have negatively impacted its neighbors including: transnational criminal activity, high homicide rates, large swaths of ungoverned territory including porous and sparsely-populated borders, and ineffective law enforcement and judicial institutions,” wrote the lawmakers. “The Government of Belize has demonstrated a strong willingness to work with the United States and the international community to address these vulnerabilities.”

“Belize continues to demonstrate a commitment to shared ideals and global alliances with the United States, making it a partner that is increasingly rare in the region. Belize’s continued diplomatic ties with Taiwan shows its shared values of democracy, self-determination and respect for international law; with democracy in decline in so many countries throughout the world, we must not take these values for granted, and work with the government to counter the People’s Republic of China’s continued efforts to negatively influence the region,” continued the lawmakers.

“We believe there are a number of ways the Administration could signal our ongoing partnership and commitment to the relationship, including a Security and Strategic Dialogue, support for a multi-year national security strategy and a U.S. commitment to support its implementation.”