Belize & U.S. Hold Bi-Annual Bilateral Meeting

On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Belize met to reaffirm the U.S.-Belize security partnership. The bi-annual bilateral meeting between the United States and Belize is to strengthen cooperation to combat national and regional challenges, such as narco trafficking, human smuggling and trafficking, and gang violence. During the meeting, shared priorities in areas of citizen and border security, governance, and justice sector efficiency were discussed. Chargé d’Affaires Leyla Moses-Ones led the U.S. delegation of officials from the U.S. Departments of State, Justice, and Defence, while Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa was accompanied by leaders in law enforcement and the criminal justice sector. The Chargé d’Affaires is quoted in the release saying, “Without security, there cannot be prosperity and security is foundational to a thriving democracy.”  And in his remarks, Minister Musa said, “Crime and insecurity negatively impact economic growth and social wellbeing resulting in instability. Peace, security, and prosperity must be addressed jointly.”  From military support to assistance on countering transnational organized crime and improving the judicial system, the U.S. government has invested millions of dollars in personnel training, infrastructure development, vehicles, and equipment donations to Belize.