On 11th June 2026, Ambassador Oscar Arnold, Chief Executive Officer for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, received H.E. David Castro de León, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama, H.E. Erwin Archila Falla, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, and H.E. Graciela Pérez, Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador, for separate courtesy calls aimed at strengthening Belize’s bilateral and regional relations.
In his meeting with the Ambassador of Panama, discussions were held on key areas of mutual interest, including trade and commerce, tourism, education, culture, and regional security. The exchange also highlighted Panama’s upcoming hosting of the OAS General Assembly, which will coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Congress of Panama. Convened in 1826 by Simón Bolívar, the Congress represented one of the earliest efforts to promote political dialogue, cooperation, and regional integration among the newly independent states of the Americas.
During a separate courtesy call with the Ambassador of Guatemala, discussions centred on matters of mutual interest on the bilateral agenda, including the Belize–Guatemala case currently before the International Court of Justice. The dialogue also underscored the longstanding historical ties between communities along the Belize–Guatemala border and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication to address any challenges in a peaceful, respectful, and constructive manner.
In his engagement with the Ambassador of El Salvador, both sides held cordial discussions on strengthening cooperation in health and defence, as well as ongoing preparations for an upcoming trade mission to advance the conclusion of the Belize–El Salvador Partial Scope Agreement. The discussions also included an exchange of views on regional integration within the framework of the Central American Integration System (SICA), particularly in light of Belize’s forthcoming assumption of the SICA Pro Tempore Presidency.
Collectively, these engagements reflect Belize’s continued commitment to deepening bilateral partnerships, advancing regional cooperation, and promoting dialogue as a cornerstone of peaceful and constructive international relations.
Ends
Foreign Ministry Communications
Belmopan, Belize