Belize–Mexico relations

Belize–Mexico relations
Map indicating locations of Belize and Mexico

Belize
Mexico

Belize and Mexico are neighboring nations. They established official diplomatic relations in 1981 after Belize obtained its independence. However, diplomatic relations between Mexico and British administered British Honduras existed as early as 1893.[1] Relations between both nations are based on proximity, trade and cultural connections between the Maya peoples of Belize and southern Mexico.

Both nations are members of the Association of Caribbean States, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Organization of American States and the United Nations.

History

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The Hondo River forming a natural border between Belize and Mexico

The Yucatán Peninsula, now divided between the nations of Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, was once home to the Mayan civilization. In the 16th century, Spain invaded the territory and administered the land from Mexico City, seat of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. After Spanish conquest, the territory that would later be known as Belize was poorly administered and open to attacks from pirates. In the 17th century, British settlers began arriving to Belize and fought several battles to try to gain control of the territory. In the late 18th century, the United Kingdom formally took over the territory of Belize. In July 1893, Mexico signed a treaty with the United Kingdom setting borders between the two nations, which is still in place today.[1]

On 21 September 1981, Belize became an independent nation. The same day, Belize and Mexico established diplomatic relations with Mexico establishing the first embassy in the country, while the United Kingdom established a High Commission.[1] In 1982, Belizean Prime Minister George Price became the first head of state from Belize to pay an official visit to Mexico. In 1986, Belize opened its embassy in Mexico City. In 1988, Mexican President Miguel de la Madrid became the first Mexican head of state to pay an official visit to Belize.[1] Since then, there have been several high-level visits between heads of states from both nations.

In 2021, both nations celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations.[2] In May 2022, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador paid an official visit to Belize.[3] In October 2024, Prime Minister Johnny Briceño travelled to Mexico to attend the inauguration of President Claudia Sheinbaum.[4]

High-level visits

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Prime Ministerial visits from Belize to Mexico[1][5][6][7][8]

Presidential visits from Mexico to Belize[9][10]

Bilateral agreements

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Both nations have signed several bilateral agreements such as an Agreement of Territorial Limits of British Honduras signed between Mexico and the United Kingdom (1893); Postal Agreement (1911); Agreement of Cultural Exchanges (1982); Agreement on the Execution of Criminal Judgments (1986); Extradition Treaty (1988); Agreement of Cooperation in Combating Drug Trafficking and Drug Dependency (1990); Agreement of Cooperation in the Preservation and Maintenance of Archaeological Zones (1990); Agreement of Tourism Cooperation (1990); Agreement for the Protection and Restitution of Archaeological, Artistic and Historical Monuments (1991); Agreement for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment and Conservation of Natural Resources in the Border Zone (1991); Agreement of Scientific and Technical Cooperation (1995) and an Agreement on Exchange of Information on Tax Matters (2011).[11]

Transportation and border crossings

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There are direct flights between both nations with Tropic Air. There are also several border crossings along the Belize–Mexico border.

Trade

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In 2023, trade between Belize and Mexico totaled US$185.2 million.[12] Belize's main exports to Mexico include: shrimp and crustaceans; motors; machinery parts and scrap metal. Mexico's main exports to Belize include: electric energy; textiles; cement and parts for the cement industry.[12] Mexican multinational company, Cemex, operates in Belize.

Embassy of Belize in Mexico City

Resident diplomatic missions

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e History of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Belize (in Spanish)
  2. ^ Celebran México y Belice 40 años de relaciones diplomáticas (in Spanish)
  3. ^ Llega AMLO a Belice; se reunirá con primer ministro John Briceño (in Spanish)
  4. ^ Prime Minister Briceño attends historic Presidential inauguration in Mexico
  5. ^ "Visita Oficial del Primer Ministro de Belize (in Spanish)". Archived from the original on 2019-01-07. Retrieved 2015-04-08.
  6. ^ Felipe Calderón recibe al primer ministro de Belice, Dean Barrow (in Spanish) Archived April 15, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Primer informe de labores de la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (in Spanish)
  8. ^ La canciller es testigo de honor en la firma del convenio constitutivo de la ALCE por parte de Belice (in Spanish)
  9. ^ "Cena Oficial que ofrecia el Primer Ministro de Belice en honor del Presidente Vicente Fox (in Spanish)". Archived from the original on 2017-10-27. Retrieved 2015-04-08.
  10. ^ México llama a dar mayor apoyo a países del Caribe afectados por recientes huracanes (in Spanish)
  11. ^ Bilateral agreements between Mexico and Belize (in Spanish)
  12. ^ a b Data México: Belize
  13. ^ Embassy of Belize in Mexico City
  14. ^ Embassy of Mexico in Belize
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