Belize “Satisfied” With U.S. Engagement

Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca says there is no concern over not meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during recent diplomatic engagements.

Fonseca explained that Secretary Rubio has only met with Caribbean leaders and heads of government, not foreign ministers.

“Secretary Rubio has not met with any CARICOM foreign minister,” Fonseca told reporters. “He’s met with leaders, heads of government. And as you know, he had a very extensive phone conversation with Prime Minister Briceño about two months ago.” In that call, Rubio recognised Belize’s significant efforts to counter illegal immigration, support Haitian security efforts, and combat transnational organised crime.

Fonseca said Belize remains satisfied with the level of engagement and has had multiple discussions with senior U.S. officials, including Deputy Secretary Brian A. Nichols Landau, who is responsible for the Western Hemisphere.

“That has always been the nature of the relationship between Belize and the State Department,” Fonseca said. “We work with the undersecretary who is responsible for the Western Hemisphere.”