Belize–Guatemala relations

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Belize–Guatemala relations
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Guatemala

The nations of Belize and Guatemala established diplomatic relations in 1991, ten years after Belizean independence. [1] The two countries have had a long-standing dispute over the territory of Belize. Both nations are members of the Association of Caribbean States, Central American Integration System, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Organization of American States and the United Nations.

Contents

History

In September 1981 Belize obtained its independence from the United Kingdom. Since its independence, relations between Belize and Guatemala have been tense due to an unresolved territorial dispute going back since the UK governed then British Honduras (present-day Belize). In August 1991, Guatemalan President Jorge Serrano Elías officially recognized Belize as an independent country, and stated his willingness to settle the dispute between both nations, however, President Serrano Elías did not drop the territorial dispute claims which continue to persist.

In September 1991, both nations established diplomatic relations. [1] Belize soon accepted an ambassador from Guatemala, however, the Guatemalan government did not accredit the first ambassador from Belize until December 1996. [2]

Under Guatemala President Álvaro Arzú, his administration tried resolving the dispute with Belize, making it the number one priority. In early 1996, the Guatemalan Congress ratified two long-pending international agreements governing frontier issues and maritime rights. [2] In 2000, Belizean Prime Minister Said Musa paid a visit to Guatemala to attend the inauguration of President Alfonso Portillo.

In 2018, Guatemala held a territorial dispute referendum where 95% of voters voted yes. A year later, Belize also held a territorial dispute referendum where 55% of voters voted yes. As a result, in 2020 Guatemala took the case of territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Both countries continue to wait for a ruling. [3]

In December 2023 President-elect Bernardo Arévalo paid a visit to Belize and met with Prime Minister Johnny Briceño. [4] Prime Minister Briceño traveled to Guatemala to attend President Aréval's inauguration. [5]

In August 2024, Belizean Prime Minister Johnny Briceño traveled to Guatemala and met with President Bernardo Arévalo. [6] In August 2025, Prime Minister Briceño and President Arévalo met again along with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Calakmul, Mexico. The three leaders announced the creation of a tri-national nature reserve to protect the Mayan rainforest. They also discussed bringing Mexico's Tren Maya to both Belize and Guatemala. [7] [8]

High-level visits

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Belizean Prime Minister Johnny Briceno in Calakmul, Mexico; August 2025. Presidente Bernardo Arevalo se reunio con la presidenta de Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum y el primer ministro de Belice John Briceno en Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico - 54725385240.jpg
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Belizean Prime Minister Johnny Briceño in Calakmul, Mexico; August 2025.

High-level visits from Belize to Guatemala [9] [6] [5]

High-level visits from Guatemala to Belize [10] [4]

Transportation

There are direct flights between both nations with Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos.

Bilateral agreements

Both nations have signed a few bilateral agreements such as an Agreement for Preferred Tariffs (2006); Agreement of Protection, Conservation, Recovery and Return of Items of Cultural and Natural Patrimony Which Have Been Stolen, Pilfered, Looted, Exported or Trafficked Unlawfully (2014); Agreement for Expedited Deportation (2014); Agreement for an Equivalence of Studies and the Recognition of Educational Documents (2014); Agreement for Seasonal Workers Program (2014); Agreement of Cooperation on Sustainable Tourism (2014); Agreement of the Transfer of Prisoners for Serving of Penal Sentences (2014); and an Agreement to create the Biocultural Corridor of the Great Mayan Forest (2025). [11] [12] [13] [14]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Relations with Guatemala
  2. 1 2 President's Central America Trip: Guatemala
  3. ↑ Comienza la recta final del diferendo territorial entre Guatemala y Belice (in Spanish)
  4. 1 2 El presidente electo de Guatemala visita Belice tras su paso por Costa Rica (in Spanish)
  5. 1 2 Guatemala’s new president sworn in; Belize PM attends
  6. 1 2 Cabinet Brief
  7. ↑ Mexico, Guatemala, Belize to create tri-national Mayan jungle reserve
  8. ↑ Mexico, Guatemala and Belize to create tri-national nature reserve to protect Mayan jungle
  9. ↑ Joint Communiqué of the Governments of Belize and Guatemala
  10. ↑ Foreign Affairs Ministers of Guatemala and Belize Meet
  11. ↑ Tratados entre Guatemala y Belice (in Spanish)
  12. ↑ Acuerdo de Alcance Parcial (in Spanish)
  13. ↑ Summarizing the 13 Agreements between Belize and Guatemala
  14. ↑ En un acuerdo histórico, México, Guatemala y Belice crean el Corredor Biocultural de la Gran Selva Maya, el más grande del mundo en su tipo (in Spanish)
  15. ↑ Embassy of Belize in Guatemala City
  16. ↑ Embassies of Guatemala in Central America (in Spanish)
  17. ↑ Consulate-General of Guatemala in Benque Viejo del Carmen
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