Belize-Canada relations will expand

And while Robinson is saying goodbye to his friends and colleagues in the diplomatic corps, he today told News 5 that his retirement wish is for continued cordial relations between Belize and Canada.

John Robinson, Canadian High Commissioner to Belize

“There is some trade relations with Canada. I’d like to see them increase more. And in fact yesterday when I met with Minister Ralph Fonseca we talked about what might be done to increase Canadian investment here and increase trade between Belize and Canada. And while I am leaving this assignment I know my successor will be wanting to do what he can do to encourage that.”

“We were delighted when the government told us that they wanted to reopen a High Commission in Canada. And I believe that is going to happen quite quickly, and I think it is a testimony to the nature of the relationship. I think as Canada has traditionally had a relationship with the Commonwealth Caribbean, Belize has been part of that relationship. But as we have grown more and more to understand that we are a country of the Americas and that that is important for us, we have tried to enhance that relationship and I think that the opening of a High Commission in Ottawa by Belize is another step in that process.”

Belize’s new resident High Commissioner to Canada is Amalia Mai, who moves due North from her previous posting as Ambassador to Cuba.