Relationship deepens between Belize and Taiwan
There are not many countries in the world that can claim to be best friends with both Cuba and Taiwan, but today with the visit of the Taiwanese Premier, Belize proved that our diplomatic balancing act is on a secure footing. A relationship that began in the previous PUP administration as an act of cold hearted pragmatism on both sides appears to have blossomed into something more…and if it isn’t quite love, there is no shortage of respect and affection. Janelle Chanona reports.
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
The private charter might have been an hour late, but the delay did not quell the excitement among the members of the Belize-Taiwanese community waiting to greet the Premier of Taiwan Yu Shyi-kun and his delegation.
On hand to welcome Premier Yu was Prime Minister Said Musa, Mrs. Joan Musa, Minister of Foreign Affairs Assad Shoman, and Ministers Dolores Balderamos-Garcia and Vildo Marin. The Belizean-Taiwanese contingent on the tarmac welcomed the high level delegation like one of the family…and with the sights and sounds of the homeland.
The Premier was then whisked away to a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Musa.
This morning, the first order of business for the Premier Yu was a courtesy call to Belize’s Governor General Sir Colville Young.
The Governor General would later confer on Yu the Order of Distinction…the third highest recognition the government can award. Premier Yu is only the eighth dignitary to receive such an honour.
The Premier then joined Prime Minister Said Musa and members of Cabinet for a series of discussions.
In the Cabinet room, the Belizeans and Taiwanese exchanged pleasantries and gifts. While the presents were a matter of formality, the items held special meaning. According to the Taiwanese delegation, the inscriptions on the delicate sky lanterns are wishes for good weather and national prosperity and peace for both countries. Prime Minister Musa handed over this Zericote carving, as a symbol of hope that Premier Yu will enjoy smooth sailing in his career.
Both countries also pledged to support each other in international circles and strengthen the bilateral relations between Belize and Taiwan.
While the Premier’s visit was dominated primarily by business matters, later in the afternoon, Premier Yu and his delegation made time to tour the Museum of Belize. Taiwan has played financial angel to this and several other cultural initiatives in Belize.
Premier Yu then enjoyed the dance movements of the Larubeya Boys of Belize City, foreshadowing just one more piece of business before the departure of the Taiwanese delegation.
Reporting for News 5, I am Janelle Chanona.
