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United States Ambassador-designate André Bauer has begun his official engagements in Belize, meeting today with Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca in Belmopan. Bauer presented Fonseca with copies of his Letter of Credence, the diplomatic document confirming his appointment by the United States. The meeting comes ahead of the formal presentation of his credentials to Belize’s Governor-General. The two spoke about the longstanding relationship between Belize and the United States, along with several areas where the countries are already working together. High on the list was the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, one of the largest grant programmes Belize has secured from the US Government. The five-year compact provides Belize with a grant of one hundred and twenty-five million US dollars for projects in education and energy. Belize is contributing almost fifty-five million US dollars. Following changes signed in July, twenty million US dollars was moved from the education component to energy, including plans for a new submarine electricity cable to Ambergris Caye. When Bauer met with the media shortly after arriving in Belize on Friday, he spoke about the importance of seeing that investment produce results for Belizeans.
André Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to Belize: “Well over a hundred million dollars, there will be opportunities for a lot of Belizeans with that money. Not only are we gonna look at trying to improve your energy but we’re also gonna look at trying to change lives. I think we need to have a serious conversation, engage in all we can with the MCC to see where some of those dollars can be spent to lift those young people up, to give them an opportunity, whether it’s an apprenticeship, whether it’s a trade skill. I wanna see us do all we can to change opportunities for Belizeans.”
Minister Fonseca and Ambassador Bauer also discussed security cooperation, trade, investment and other areas where the two governments hope to do more. Bauer was also asked on Friday about Belize’s close diplomatic relationship with Taiwan and how that fits with US policy. Belize has maintained formal relations with Taiwan since 1989 and remains one of its strongest allies in the Caribbean. The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but the two share strong economic and security ties. Bauer said the US relationship with Taiwan fits well with Belize’s longstanding friendship and alliance with the island.
André Bauer, U.S. Ambassador to Belize: “Taiwan, both of our countries have prioritized the relationship with Taiwan. I’ve actually been to Taiwan personally. I’ve spent time with the Taiwanese in South Carolina. They have a manufacturing plant. We have a very good relationship with the Taiwanese. And we prioritize that relationship. And I am very thankful that Belize has prioritized that relationship as well and I look forward to continuing to facilitate that relationship with the Taiwanese. I don’t make policy for Belize. And I really, I’m not a legislator so I’m not making policy for the United States. From the perspective I have, I have personally seen the Taiwanese in good faith invest money in South Carolina, create jobs, and they’ve been delightful to work with. And so that’s my personal experience. I don’t think I can speak on behalf of the Belizean government and their relationship with the Taiwanese, but I can tell you the United States still considers Taiwan a very good partner and friend and will continue to do so.”
Fonseca welcomed Bauer to Belize and wished him a productive tenure. Bauer arrived in the country on Friday with members of his family and is expected to serve as the United States’ chief diplomatic representative in Belize for the next three years.
English (US) ·