By Belize Live News Staff: Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Francis Fonseca, Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, held a meeting in Tokyo on Saturday as part of the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference. The discussion, which began at 5:00 p.m. and lasted approximately 20 minutes, focused on enhancing bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Minister Iwaya welcomed Minister Fonseca and highlighted Japan’s desire to sustain momentum in its partnership with Belize, particularly in light of the upcoming Japan-SICA Friendship Year in 2025. He also underscored Japan’s decade-long support for low-lying coastal states, emphasizing initiatives targeting vulnerabilities and promoting sustainable development in line with Japan’s CARICOM policy.
In response, Minister Fonseca expressed his appreciation for Japan’s cooperation and affirmed Belize’s commitment to further strengthening ties. He also conveyed his optimism for continued collaboration on shared priorities.
The two ministers confirmed their dedication to fostering closer relations between Japan and CARICOM nations and agreed on the importance of maintaining active dialogue to advance mutual goals.
The meeting underscored Japan’s role as a partner to CARICOM states in addressing regional challenges and promoting sustainable growth.
