Foreign relations of Belize

Belize maintains 14 embassies to foreign countries, one consulate, and three missions to international organizations.^[1] In 1990, Belize became a member of the Organization of American States, and the Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

To strengthen its potential for economic and political development, Belize has sought to build closer ties with the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America to complement its historical ties to the English-speaking Caribbean states. Recent foreign policy initiatives include joining with the other Central American countries in signing the CONCAUSA Agreement on regional sustainable development and becoming a full member of the Central American Integration System (SICA). Belize is a member of CARICOM which was founded in 1973.

Diplomatic relations

List of countries with which Belize maintains diplomatic relations with:

#	Country	Date[2][3]
1	Bahamas	21 September 1981
2	Barbados	21 September 1981
3	Dominica	21 September 1981
4	Grenada	21 September 1981
5	Mexico	21 September 1981
6	Saint Kitts and Nevis	21 September 1981
7	Saint Lucia	21 September 1981
8	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	21 September 1981
9	Trinidad and Tobago	21 September 1981
10	United Kingdom	21 September 1981
11	United States	21 September 1981
12	Costa Rica	September 1981
13	Nicaragua	September 1981
14	Ghana	September 1981
15	Fiji	20 October 1981[4]
16	Canada	24 November 1981
17	France	November 1981
18	Panama	1 December 1981
19	Australia	17 January 1982
20	Colombia	15 February 1982
21	Nigeria	19 April 1982
22	Germany	31 May 1982
23	Honduras	21 September 1982
24	Italy	1 October 1982
25	Jamaica	3 November 1982
26	Japan	3 November 1982
27	Sweden	17 November 1982[5]
28	Belgium	1982
29	El Salvador	1982
30	Haiti	1982[6]
31	Iraq	25 January 1983[7]
32	Antigua and Barbuda	4 February 1983
33	Brazil	1 March 1983
—	Holy See	9 March 1983
34	India	28 March 1983
35	Bangladesh	29 August 1983[8]
36	Norway	12 July 1984
—	Israel (suspended)	11 March 1985
37	Greece	4 September 1986
—	Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic	18 November 1986
—	China (suspended)	6 February 1987[9]
38	Netherlands	13 April 1987
39	South Korea	14 April 1987
40	Uruguay	28 September 1987
41	Bolivia	1 October 1987
42	Turkey	November 1987[10]
43	Spain	13 January 1989
44	Venezuela	25 April 1989
45	Dominican Republic	6 June 1989
46	Switzerland	July 1989
47	Austria	14 September 1989
—	Republic of China	11 October 1989
48	Chile	11 October 1990
49	North Korea	20 June 1991
50	Russia	25 June 1991
51	Guatemala	11 September 1991
52	Seychelles	11 September 1991
53	Denmark	15 November 1991
54	Peru	27 November 1991
55	United Arab Emirates	10 December 1991
56	Argentina	8 January 1992
57	Bahrain	20 July 1992
58	Slovenia	19 November 1992
59	Iran	24 November 1992
60	Portugal	9 December 1992
61	Romania	25 March 1993
62	Marshall Islands	21 May 1993
63	Bulgaria	15 January 1994
64	Egypt	6 May 1994
65	Cambodia	1 November 1994
66	Vietnam	4 January 1995
67	Poland	2 May 1995
68	Cuba	15 July 1995
69	Singapore	23 August 1995
70	Croatia	23 January 1996
71	Bosnia and Herzegovina	24 January 1996
72	North Macedonia	25 January 1996
73	Czech Republic	18 July 1996
74	Slovakia	6 August 1996
75	Turkmenistan	11 September 1996
76	South Africa	14 May 1997
77	Finland	19 June 1997
78	Mozambique	30 September 1997
79	Suriname	13 May 1998
80	Armenia	12 February 1999
81	Estonia	5 May 1999
82	Thailand	11 June 1999
83	Ukraine	1 October 1999
84	Ecuador	14 October 1999
—	Sovereign Military Order of Malta	1999[11]
85	Malaysia	11 February 2000
86	Maldives	11 February 2000
87	Philippines	4 May 2000[12]
88	Cyprus	21 July 2000
89	Ireland	21 July 2000
90	Belarus	4 August 2000[13]
91	Morocco	3 November 2000
92	Angola	25 January 2001
93	Lebanon	29 June 2001
94	Syria	28 August 2001
95	Algeria	28 November 2001
96	Qatar	17 May 2002
97	Azerbaijan	24 June 2002
98	Timor-Leste	15 April 2003
99	Zambia	18 September 2003[14]
100	Iceland	7 July 2004
101	Malta	1 October 2004
102	Paraguay	7 November 2004
103	Lithuania	30 December 2004[15]
104	Latvia	3 February 2005
105	San Marino	15 March 2005
106	Oman	3 March 2006
107	Kuwait	8 May 2006
108	Jordan	28 June 2006
109	Botswana	28 February 2008
110	Luxembourg	15 May 2008
111	Kazakhstan	7 November 2013[16]
112	Indonesia	9 July 2014[17]
—	State of Palestine	9 July 2014[17]
113	Hungary	10 June 2015
114	Pakistan	21 October 2015[18]
—	Kosovo	29 April 2016[19]
115	Mongolia	20 June 2017
116	Montenegro	6 September 2017[20]
117	Georgia	1 October 2017
118	Tajikistan	21 December 2017
119	Andorra	26 February 2018
120	Mauritius	4 April 2018
121	New Zealand	18 March 2019[21]
122	Serbia	24 September 2019
123	Rwanda	22 January 2020
124	Sierra Leone	23 September 2021
125	Nepal	1 April 2022
126	Kenya	22 June 2022[22]
127	Moldova	3 August 2022
128	Saudi Arabia	24 September 2022
129	Benin	14 September 2023
130	Solomon Islands	22 September 2023
131	Gambia	22 September 2023[23]
132	Cape Verde	15 February 2024
133	Uzbekistan	5 March 2024[24]
134	Uganda	20 May 2024
135	Guyana	24 June 2024[25]
136	Burundi	23 September 2024
137	Namibia	24 September 2024[26]
138	Palau	25 September 2024[27]
139	Samoa	25 February 2025
140	Kyrgyzstan	8 April 2025[28]

Africa

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
South Africa	14 May 1997	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 May 1997.[29] Belize does not have any representation in South Africa.[30] South Africa is represented in Belize by its High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica.[31] Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
Tunisia		Both countries have passed a number of bilateral agreements.[32]

Americas

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Argentina	8 January 1992	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1992.[33] In 2013 both countries have an agreement on Technical cooperation.[34] Argentina is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[35]
Canada		Canada is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Guatemala City.[36] Belize is accredited to Canada from its embassy in Washington, D.C., and maintains an honorary consulate in Calgary.[36] Both countries are member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
Colombia	15 February 1982	On 15 February 1982, formal relations were established. Colombia's embassy in Belize closed in 2002 in order to cut down on costs though the embassy of Colombia in El Salvador is also concurrent to Belize. On 17 April 2013, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia in order to strengthen relations.[37] Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
Dominican Republic		Belize has an embassy in Santo Domingo. Dominican Republic is accredited to Belize from a non-resident ambassador in Santo Domingo and maintains an honorary consulate in Belmopan. Both countries are members of the Association of Caribbean States, CARIFORUM, the Organization of American States (OAS), and Group of 77, and the United Nations.
Guatemala		See Belize–Guatemala relations Belize's principal external concern has been the dispute involving the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory. Initially a dispute between formerly Spanish Guatemala and the United Kingdom's colony of British Honduras, Guatemala continued its claim after Belizean independence in 1981; it recognized its neighbour's independence one decade later, in 1991. The dispute remains unresolved. Belize has an embassy in Guatemala City. Guatemala has an embassy in Belize City and a consulate-general in Benque Viejo del Carmen. Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Central American Integration System, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
Mexico	1981	See Belize–Mexico relations Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Belize were established in 1981. Mexico has an embassy in Belmopan.[38] Belize has an embassy in Mexico City. Both countries are members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Central American Integration System, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
United States		See Belize–United States relations Belize-United States relations have traditionally been close and cordial. The United States is Belize's principal trading partner and major source of investment funds. It is also home to the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated to be 70,000 strong. Because Belize's economic growth and accompanying democratic political stability are important U.S. objectives, Belize benefits from the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative. As a member of CARICOM Belize strongly backed efforts by the United States to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 940 designed to facilitate the departure of Haiti's de facto authorities from power. The country agreed to contribute military personnel to the Multinational Task Force which restored the democratically elected Government of Haiti in October 1994 and to the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH). Belize is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the American military (as covered under Article 98). International crime issues dominate the agenda of bilateral relations between the United States and Belize. The United States is working closely with the Government of Belize to fight illicit narcotics trafficking, and both governments seek to control the flow of illegal migrants to the United States through Belize. Belize and the United States brought into force a stolen vehicle treaty, an extradition treaty, and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between 2001 and 2003. The United States is the largest provider of economic assistance to Belize, contributing $2.5 million in various bilateral economic and military aid programs to Belize in FY 2006. Of this amount, nearly $500,000 was provided by the U.S. Military Liaison Office. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) closed its Belize office in August 1996 after a 13-year program during which USAID provided $110 million worth of development assistance to Belize. Belize still benefits from USAID regional programs. In addition, during the past 42 years, almost 2,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Belize. As of April 2007, the Peace Corps had 58 volunteers working in Belize. Until the end of 2002, Voice of America operated a medium-wave radio relay station in Punta Gorda that broadcast to the neighboring countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. military has a diverse and growing assistance program in Belize that included the construction and renovation of several schools and youth hostels, medical assistance programs, and drug reduction programs. Private North American investors continue to play a key role in Belize's economy, particularly in the tourism sector. Belize has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and a consulate-general in Los Angeles. United States has an embassy in Belmopan.
Uruguay	28 September 1987	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 September 1987.[2] Both countries are full members of the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
Venezuela	25 April 1989	Main article: Belize–Venezuela relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 April 1989.[2] Venezuela has an embassy in Belmopan. Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, Organization of American States, and the United Nations.

Asia

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
China	Belize does not have Diplomatic recognition of China. See Foreign relations of China.	See Belize–China relations In June 2020, Belize openly opposed the Hong Kong national security law[39]
India		See Belize–India relations
Israel	11 March 1985 (Diplomatic relations severed 15 November 2023)	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1983.[40] Belize is represented in Israel through its embassy in London.[41] Israeli is represented in Belize through its embassy in San Salvador.[42] Since 2011, both countries have an agreement between the government of the state of Israel and the government of Belize on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, service and national passports.[43] Both countries severed diplomatic relations on 15 November 2023 amid the Gaza war.[44]
Palestine		Under the previous premiership of Said Musa, Belize remained a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights and shunned relations with Israel due to the latter's military and intelligence support for Guatemala.[45]
South Korea	14 April 1987	Belize and South Korea established diplomatic relation on April 14, 1987. The two nations have good relations.[46]
Taiwan	1989	See Belize–Taiwan relations Belize recognizes the Republic of China (ROC, commonly known as Taiwan)[47] as the sole legitimate government of China. Relations were established between Belize and the ROC in 1989. Belize has an embassy in Taipei. Taiwan has an embassy in Belize City.
Turkey	Oct. 29, 1981[48]	See Belize–Turkey relations Turkish Embassy in Port of Spain is accredited to Belize. Turkey has an Honorary Consul in Belize City.[49][48] Belize has an Honorary Consulate in İzmir.[49] Trade volume between the two countries was 13.7 million USD in 2019 (Belize's exports/imports: 3.6/10.1 million USD).[48]

Europe

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Bulgaria	15 February 1994	Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 15 February 1994.[2] Bulgaria is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[50]
Cyprus	21 July 2000	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 2000.[51] Cyprus is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico.[52] Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Czech Republic	15 February 1994	The Czech Republic is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City[53] and has an honorary consulate.[54] Belize has an honorary consulate in Prague.[55]
Denmark	15 November 1991[56]	Belize has an honorary consulate in Copenhagen.[57] Denmark is represented in Belize by its embassy in Mexico City.[58]
Estonia	5 May 1999	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1999.[59] Estonia has an honorary consulate in Belize.[60]
Finland	19 June 1997	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 June 1997.[61] Finland is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Belize City.[61]
France		Both countries established diplomatic relations in November 1981.[2] France is represented in Belize through its embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador.[62]
Germany	1982	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982.[63] Germany is represented in Belize through its embassy in Guatemala.[64]
Greece	4 September 1986	Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1986.[2] Belize's Embassy in Mexico has parallel accreditation for Greece. Belize has an Honorary Consulate in Athens since 1992.[65][66] Greece does not have any representation in Belize, its embassy in Mexico is also accredited to Belize.[65]
Hungary		Hungary is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[67]
Holy See	9 March 1983	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 March 1983.[2] Belize has an embassy to the Holy See in Rome. Holy See is accredited to Belize from its apostolic nunciature in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Italy	1 October 1982	Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1982.[2] Belize has a consulate-general in Milan.[68] Italy is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate.[69]
Norway		Since 2011, Belize and Norway have an Agreement concerning the exchange of information relating to tax matters they had signed in 2010.[70]
Russia	25 June 1991	Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1991. Belize immediately recognized Russia as the USSR's successor after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Russia is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Belize City.
Slovakia		Slovakia is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.[71]
Slovenia		Belize is represented in Slovenia through its embassy in Vienna.[72]
Spain	13 January 1989	See Belize–Spain relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 January 1989.[2]
Sweden		Sweden is represented in Belize through its embassy in Stockholm and an honorary consulate in Belmopan.[73]
Switzerland		Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1988.[74] Switzerland is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and since 1996 an honorary consulate in Belize City.[74]
United Kingdom	21 September 1981	See Belize–United Kingdom relations Belize established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 21 September 1981. Both countries are Commonwealth Realms. British Foreign Secretary William Hague with Belizean Prime Minister Dean Barrow in London, June 2013. Belize maintains a high commission in London.[75] The United Kingdom is accredited to Belize from its high commission in Belmopan.[76] The UK governed Belize from 1783 to 1981, when Belize achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic Co-operation Pact,[77] Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth, and the World Trade Organization, as well as the CARIFORUM–United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement.[78] Bilaterally the two countries have a Defence Cooperation Agreement,[79] and an Investment Agreement.[80]

Oceania

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Australia		Australia is accredited to Belize from its High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.[81] Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
New Zealand		New Zealand is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Mexico City.[82]

Belize and the Commonwealth of Nations

Belize has been a member state of the Commonwealth since 1981, when it became an independent Commonwealth realm.

King Charles III as King of Belize is viceregally represented by the Governor-General of Belize.

Multilateral membership

Belize is a member of the following multilateral bodies.

• African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP)
• The Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL)
• Caribbean Community (Caricom)
• Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
• Commonwealth of Nations
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• Group of 77 (G-77)
• Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)
• International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRM)
• International Development Association (IDA)
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• International Finance Corporation (IFC)
• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• International Maritime Organization (IMO)
• Intelsat (nonsignatory user)
• Interpol
• International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• International Organization for Migration (IOM) (observer)
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
• Organization of American States (OAS)
• Latin American Economic System (LAES)
• The United Nations (UN)
• United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC)
• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
• Universal Postal Union (UPU)
• World Confederation of Labour (WCL)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)

See also

• List of diplomatic missions in Belize
• List of diplomatic missions of Belize
• North American Free Trade Agreement
• Free Trade Area of the Americas
• Third Border Initiative
• Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)
• Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative