Taiwan congratulates Belizean prime minister on winning re-election

Taipei, March 13 (CNA) Taiwan's government on Thursday congratulated Belizean Prime Minister John Briceno and the ruling People's United Party (PUP) on winning the Belize general elections held on Wednesday, expressing hope that the two sides will continue to enhance ties.

The Central American ally held a general elections to elect the 31 members of the House of Representatives. Briceno, who began his first five-year term in November 2020, and the PUP ran against the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP)

Elections results showed the PUP winning 26 seats while the opposition UDP took the remaining five.

In a statement, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) congratulated Belize on successfully holding the latest round of elections as well as Briceno and the PUP on their election victory.

Ambassador Lily Hsu (徐儷文) offered the congratulations of Taiwan's government and its people, MOFA said.

Taiwan stands ready to continue the enhancement of already strong bilateral ties under Briceno's first term based on shared democratic values, MOFA added.

MOFA also said Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) just concluded a visit to Belize in October 2024 to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Briceno also previously visited Taiwan to attend President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inauguration in May 2024.