Belize Engage Political Tender

In accordance with Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement Belize and the European Union held their eighth political dialogue on 22 May 2023 in San Pedro Belize.The dialogue was held in a very constructive atmosphere and addressed the multidimensional relationship between Belize and the EU who are both like-minded on many critical global issues and share a commitment to work together on the rules based international order and the importance of multilateralism.The development cooperation dimension reviewed the progress of implementation of projects and programmes on going under the 11th European Development Fund and started the current discussion on the identification of the actions under the EU-Belize Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 20212027. The EU provided further updates on the progress of programming under the EUs regional sub-programmes with the Caribbean and with Central America both of which are accessible to Belize.The European Unions proposal for a Global Gateway Investment Agenda was also discussed. The trade and investment dimension followed up on the implementation of the EU-Economic Partnership Agreement and the challenges and opportunities therein. The broader challenge of access to affordable and sustainable financing was addressed. As such Belize highlighted the importance of the ongoing discussion of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index which is expected to change the criteria for small island developing states to access concessional financing.The participants discussed Belizes wish to enter in the Schengen visa waiver list and the necessity of the OACP agreement to enter into force. The EU and Belize stressed the importance of the EU-CELAC relationship through the scheduled summit to be held in Brussels from 17 to 18 July 2023.The EU underlined the key role Belize plays as part of CARICOM and SICA. Belize presented achievements of its SICA Presidency Pro-Tempore PPT and committed to efficiently lead the regional efforts towards overcoming the difficulties SICA countries are currently facing and promoting development and prosperity for all.Other issues on the agenda included good governance human rights the condemnation of the Russian Invasion in Ukraine and its impact on food and energy security the deterioration of the security situation in Haiti the EU support for confidence building measures in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala ahead of the International Court of Justice ruling as well as the preparation of the new Global Financial Pact. With respect to the issue of climate change both sides shared their views on adaptation and mitigation measures loss and damage reparations and more ambitious climate financing.The political dialogue was co-chaired by Honourable Eamon Courtenay Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and by H.E. Ambassador Van Steen who was accompanied by Ambassadors of EU member states H.E. Elisabeth Kehrner of Austria H.E. Johan Verkammen of Belgium H.E. Zdenek Kubanek of the Czech Republic H.E. Luigi De Chiara of Italy H.E. Wilfred Theo Mohr of the Netherlands H.E. Jose Maria Lavina Rodriguez of Spain and Charge dAffairs Mr. Thomas Wulfing of Germany.