This morning, Prime Minister John Briceño and his eight-member delegation arrived in Taiwan to kick off a five-day working visit.

Upon arrival at the airport, Briceño and his delegation were greeted by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu then proceeded to take their Covid test then left the airport.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reported that the Belizean Delegation were welcomed with a military salute by President Tsai Ing–Wen (蔡英文) at which point Prime Minister Briceño was conferred with Taiwans highest civilian honor, the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon for his role in enhancing ties between Taiwan and its Caribbean ally.

This civilian order can be conferred on citizens or foreign nationals.

Taiwan’s MOFA said President Tsai and Briceño will exchange views on our bilateral cooperation among other topics of mutual interest and concerns between Taiwan and Belize.

Briceño will also meet with Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), and the two will head together to Tainan, where Briceño will receive an honorary doctorate from Tainan-based Kun Shan University.

Other events planned for Briceño during his stay include attending a Taiwan-Belize investment and trade cooperation conference, meeting with students from Belize who are studying in Taiwan and visiting the International Cooperation and Development Fund.

Taiwan and Belize have forged close ties in several areas, including on infrastructure, public health, agriculture, education, and women's empowerment.

Belize is one of the 14 diplomatic allies Taiwan has around the world. The two countries have maintained official diplomatic ties since 1989.

Briceño is making his first trip to Taiwan in 16 years, and it is his first visit to the country as Belize’s Prime Minister, a post he took up in November 2020.

Photo: Belize Prime Minister John Briceño (left) is greeted by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu upon arrival in Taiwan.

Courtesy: CNA photo March 8, 2022.