Taiwan, Belize sign agreements to enhance collaboration during FM's visit

Taipei, Sept. 30 (CNA) The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Belize signed two major agreements on Tuesday to reaffirm their longstanding partnership, as Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) was set to conclude his three-day visit to the Central American ally.

During Lin's visit to Belize on Tuesday, he and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam. Prime Minister John Briceño later welcomed him, joined by senior Cabinet officials, according to separate press releases issued by the two governments.

Later Tuesday, Lin visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and held bilateral talks with Belizean Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca on strengthening cooperation.

The two ministers witnessed the signing of a letter of intent between the University of Belize and Taiwan's main foreign aid agency, the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, to establish the Taiwan-Caribbean Academy.

Lin and his Belizean counterparts also signed a bilateral agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation, aimed at strengthening the capacity and professional development of Belize's foreign service.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Taiwan-Caribbean Academy is an initiative aimed at promoting technical and vocational education, sustainable tourism and economic cooperation among diplomatic allies in the region.

According to Lin, the academy will be headquartered at the University of Belize.

Taiwan's higher education institutions, including Meiho University, National Chung Hsing University, and Kun Shan University, will also participate in curriculum development and faculty planning.

MOFA did not say when the academy will officially open.

Lin and his delegation are scheduled to depart Belize on Wednesday, local time, before heading to another of Taiwan's allies in the region, Guatemala.

In Guatemala, Lin will meet with President Bernardo Arévalo and attend a reception marking the 92nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Central American country, and Taiwan's National Day, the ministry said.

According to MOFA, Lin's delegation also comprises more than 30 representatives from sectors including green energy and smart transportation, artificial intelligence, space technology, biotechnology, health care, tourism, finance and trade.

The aim is to strengthen economic cooperation with Taiwan's two Central American diplomatic allies.