Taiwan Prez Wraps Up State Visit, Departs Belize for the U.S.
President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Doctor Tsai Ing-Wen wrapped up her state visit to Belize and this afternoon, departed the country for the United States where she will meet with U.S. House Secretary Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday. During the visit, President Tsai met with Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam, as well as Taiwanese nationals living in the Jewel. She made a stop at the Sheep and Goat Project in Central Farm, which is funded by her government. A technical cooperation agreement was signed between both countries, as Taiwan solidified its diplomatic ties with Belize. News Five’s Duane Moody was at the P.G.I.A. for the departure of the president and her delegation and files this report on the three-day visit.
Duane Moody, Reporting
Just before two p.m. today, the motorcade carrying President Tsai Ing-Wen arrived on the tarmac at the Philip Goldson International Airport. There, the president was greeted by C.E.O. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Amalia Mai and Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde. After a brief exchange of words, President Tsai was escorted to the China Airlines aircraft; the red carpet was flanked on both sides by B.D.F. soldiers. As she made her way up the steps, the leader of the Republic of China (Taiwan) waved goodbye and entered the plane, concluding her second state visit to Belize since taking office in 2016. The visit was part of a Central American tour to Guatemala and Belize, the only two countries in the region with whom the Republic of China (Taiwan) has retained diplomatic ties. It comes on the heels of Honduras cutting relations with Taiwan in favour of establishing ties with China. During the three-day visit to Belize, of significant importance was the technical cooperation agreement signed between both countries.
Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen
Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen, President, Republic of China (Taiwan)
“It is encouraging to see these projects taking shape in Belize. In addition, technical projects are essential to bettering the lives of our citizens. Therefore, I am also delighted to bear witness to our foreign ministers signing of an agreement that will streamline and strengthen our bilateral technical cooperation. I look forward to more cooperation in the many years to come.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“This agreement will serve to further establish cooperation programs in areas such as agriculture, forestry, technology, education, climate change, youths and women, health, tourism and other areas of mutual interest. Likewise, it is a reflection of the many projects our two countries are presently engaged in as we continue to strengthen our bilateral relations. Belize and Taiwan share a longstanding friendship that spans almost thirty-four years.”
Taiwan is fifty-seven percent larger than or a little more than twice the size of Belize, but with a population of twenty-three point three million people. Like Belize, it is culturally diverse with indigenous peoples, as well as immigrants from across the world. Cooperation between both countries spans areas of education, health, infrastructure, hurricane relief and agriculture. During a special sitting of the House of Representatives, President Tsai reflected on this, her second visit to the Jewel.
Dr. Tsai Ing-Wen
“I have very fond memories of my last trip to Belize. I visited Taiwan Street where our embassy stands. I also remember meeting aspiring young Belizeans and was very happy to offer scholarships for their studies in Taiwan. I remember thinking, these bright minds would eventually serve as bridges for our friendship in our shared future. I also remember visiting the Museum of Belize, seeing the drawing of slave ships and hearing the dreadful stories of the slave trade. What our two countries share is the strength and courage to rise from our challenging past and make our present and future free, bright and prosperous.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
