Fonseca: Belize-Guatemala Relations Still Face Challenges

Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca says Belize and Guatemala maintain good diplomatic relations, but tensions at the military level continue as the two countries prepare for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing in February 2027.

Fonseca said Belize remains focused on the judicial process, which both countries agreed to pursue to resolve their territorial dispute peacefully.

“We are very, very focused on the ICJ process. For us, that is the critical issue in our relationship,” Fonseca said, adding that the court’s decision to schedule the oral hearings gives both countries a date to work towards.

He said communication remains good between Belize’s and Guatemala’s foreign ministries, as well as between Prime Minister John Briceño and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo.

“Where we are continuing to have serious problems is at the military level,” Fonseca said.

Fonseca said concerns remain over the actions of Guatemala’s armed forces, which he said have shown little regard for their diplomatic ties and measures agreed to prevent tensions. Fonseca acknowledged that issues remain to be addressed on the ground but said Belize is focused on securing a final resolution through the ICJ.

“We want a final, definitive, peaceful resolution on this matter so we can move forward with our established legal boundaries, borders in place, and move forward as two neighbours working together to advance the interests of our people,” he said.

Fonseca said the government has not yet determined which officials will travel to attend the oral hearings. He added that he had been advised the court generally takes between seven and ten months to deliver a decision after hearings conclude, although the timing is entirely up to the ICJ.

ICJ Sets February, March 2027 Hearing Dates for Belize’s Territorial Cases