World Leaders Mark Belize’s 45th Independence Anniversary

Belize’s 45th anniversary of Independence was recognised well beyond its borders, with governments and diplomatic missions from across the world sending messages of congratulations.  This year also marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Belize and Mexico. Mexico was the first country to establish formal diplomatic ties with Belize after Independence in 1981, beginning a relationship that has grown through cooperation, close regional ties and a shared commitment to peace and development.  Independence messages also came from Latvia, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Russia, Türkiye and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The countries congratulated Belize on 45 years as a sovereign nation and wished its people continued peace, progress and prosperity.  Russia’s Ambassador to Belize, Nikolay Sofinskiy, who is based in Mexico, was among the foreign diplomats attending this year’s Independence celebrations. Russia also signalled its interest in strengthening political dialogue, bilateral cooperation and its work with Belize at the international level.  The show of international support came as Belize hosted its annual Diplomatic Week, bringing together resident and non-resident ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of mission.  During a briefing with the diplomats, Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca laid out Belize’s foreign-policy priorities, including multilateral cooperation, climate action and sustainable development.  Fonseca also addressed Belize’s relations with Guatemala and the matters now before the International Court of Justice.  Belize’s Agent before the ICJ, Ambassador Assad Shoman, later updated the diplomats on the proceedings at The Hague involving Guatemala and Honduras, cases that will help determine Belize’s borders and the full extent of its territorial and maritime sovereignty.