On May 20, 2021 Hon. Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Rodolfo Solano Quirós, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, undertook the Second Bilateral Political Consultations between their respective countries.
The two ministers undertook an assessment of the state of bilateral relations between Belize and Costa Rica. They noted that the two countries will celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations later this year. The ministers also exchanged views on COVID-19 response and recovery and in that context discussed initiatives to finance their green, inclusive, and sustainable recovery, and access to vaccines.
On the regional front, the ministers discussed continued pressures on regional migration exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and committed to continue cooperating on this as well as in the combatting of narcotrafficking. Both ministers reiterated their commitment to the protection of the environment and biodiversity and climate action.
Minister Courtenay commended Minister Solano for the sterling manner in which his country is discharging its mandate as President Pro Tempore of SICA. Costa Rica congratulated Belize on the appointment of Dr. Carla Barnett, a Belizean, as the next Secretary General of CARICOM and expressed confidence in the strengthening of relations between the two sub-regions.
The ministers agreed to review with a view to activate existing agreements in tourism, culture, and a bilateral cooperation framework.
Minister Courtenay was accompanied by his delegation which included Ambassador Amalia Mai, chief executive officer; Mrs. Orla Kantun Coleman, director of international affairs (cooperation); Ms. Ayesha Borland, director of international affairs (policy); Mr. Emil Waight and Mrs. Amaris Leal, foreign services officers.
