Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (???) on Thursday congratulated Belize on its 40th anniversary of independence and thanked the Caribbean ally for its consistent support for Taiwan in the international community over the years.
In a video call with Belize Prime Minister John Briceño, Wu extended congratulations on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen (???) and the people of Taiwan on the 40th anniversary of Belize’s independence from the United Kingdom, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) press release.
Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with Belize, one of its important diplomatic allies in the Caribbean region, to strengthen the bilateral partnership for the mutual benefit and wellbeing of the two peoples, Wu said.
In particular, Taiwan will maintain its efforts to help Belize combat the coronavirus, revive its economy and boost its national development, he said.
He also thanked Belize for consistently voicing its support for Taiwan’s international participation and said he hoped Briceño will continue to do so in the years to come.
In response, Briceño expressed gratitude, on behalf of his government and the Belize people, for Taiwan’s assistance in the fight against COVID-19 and in building his country’s infrastructure.
The government of Belize will continue its efforts to enhance the close cooperation with Taiwan and maintain the solid bilateral diplomatic ties, Briceño said.
According to MOFA, Briceño, who was elected as his country’s leader last November, has been invited to visit Taiwan when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, gained independence from the U.K. on Sept. 21, 1981, and established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1989.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel