Belize and El Salvador Explore Expanded Economic Cooperation

Belize is continuing to deepen its diplomatic and economic ties within the region following a high-level meeting between officials from Belize and El Salvador.  According to the Ministry of Economic Transformation Belize, Minister of State Dr. Osmond Martinez recently held a bilateral meeting with Félix Ulloa, Vice President of El Salvador, to discuss opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.  During the discussions, both sides explored a number of priority areas including economic and agricultural development, regional integration, climate finance initiatives, as well as potential education exchanges and scholarship opportunities for students. The meeting also included an update on negotiations toward a partial scope agreement between Belize and El Salvador. Officials say such an agreement could help strengthen trade relations and open new avenues for economic collaboration between the two countries.  Minister Martinez was accompanied by Lou-Anne Burns Martinez, Belize’s Ambassador to El Salvador, along with Leroy Martinez, Director of the Climate Finance Unit. Vice President Ulloa was joined by Jorge Urbina, who serves as Trinational Executive Secretary.  At the conclusion of the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of shared interest. Minister Martinez also extended a formal invitation to Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador, and Vice President Ulloa to visit Belize as discussions between the two nations continue.