Belize Assumes Leadership of Central American Integration System

Prime Minister John Briceño has assumed the rotating Presidency Pro Tempore of the Central American Integration System, placing Belize at the helm of one of the region’s most important integration bodies for the coming months. The official handover took place today during a ceremony at the SICA General Secretariat in San Salvador, El Salvador, where the presidency was transferred from the Dominican Republic.  During the official transfer ceremony, Prime Minister Briceño received the Presidency Pro Tempore from Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, marking the beginning of Belize’s leadership of the regional organization. As he accepted the role, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to deepening regional integration and strengthening cooperation among member states.  According to the Government of Belize, one of the immediate priorities under Belize’s presidency will be to encourage the full participation of all Central American member states while advancing SICA’s shared achievements, regional development agenda, and collective prosperity. The government says Belize intends to work closely with its regional partners to build consensus on key issues affecting the integration process and to further strengthen collaboration across the region.  The Belize delegation was facilitated by Belize’s Ambassador to El Salvador, Lou-Anne Burns Martinez, while Ambassador Amalia Mai, who also has responsibility for SICA affairs, accompanied the Prime Minister during the official proceedings.