A Visit to the Jewel by High-level U.S. Diplomat Julie Chung

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Julie Chung, concluded a visit to Belize today after meeting with various government and private sector representatives, as well as Taiwanese Ambassador Remus Li-Kou Chen.  Belize and Taiwan are celebrating thirty years of economic and development cooperation, so the U.S. diplomat gave assurances that the United States is in support of the relationship shared by both countries.  This is in light of the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Mainland China.

Julie Chung

Julie Chung, U.S. State Department

“This is my first time to Belize, I’m very happy to be here on too short of a trip.  I hope to return.  But I came to reaffirm the strong relationship between the United States and Belize.  The wide ranging levels of cooperation and partnerships that we have.  In addition, I also wanted to come and congratulate the Taiwanese ambassador here for the thirtieth anniversary of relationship between Taiwan and Belize and reaffirm our support for that partnership.  I met with a range of officials, including the prime minister, opposition leader, private sector and youth.”

Isani Cayetano

“Can you speak to us in particular about the meeting with the Taiwanese ambassador, considering the state of affairs between the United States and Mainland China and of course the building of relations or the strengthening of relations between Belize and Taiwan, in this regard?”

Julie Chung

“Well as I said, this is the thirtieth anniversary of Taiwan/Belize relations and I wanted to come and congratulate the very active diplomacy and partnership that’s ongoing here and Taiwan is very involved in really honouring the sovereignty of the Belizean government and the people while working in concert to address issues of education and scholarships and innovation.  I think this is an area that we are also interested in with like-minded partners.”