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Belize–Mexico relations

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Belize-Mexico relations
Map indicating locations of Belize and Mexico

Belize
Mexico

Belize–Mexico relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Belize and 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

The Yucatán Peninsula, today 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 control the territory. In the late 18th century, the United Kingdom formally took over the territory of Belize.[1] In July 1893, newly independent Mexico signed a treaty with the United Kingdom setting borders between the two nations, which is still in place today.[2]

On 21 September 1981, Belize became an independent nation. That 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.[2] 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.[2] Since then, there have been several high level visits between heads of states from both nations.[2]

State visits

Prime Ministerial visits from Belize to Mexico[2][3][4][5]

Presidential visits from Mexico to Belize[6]

Trade

Trade between the two nations is low. Mexico is Belize's fifth biggest trading partner and Belize is Mexico's 76th trading partner globally. In 2014, total trade between both nations amounted to $143 million USD.[7] Mexican exports to Belize include but not limited to: electric energy (20.8%), cleaning products (5.6%) and cement (5.1%) while Belizean exports to Mexico include: shrimp (48.5%), crustaceans (32.9%) and scrap metal (5.7%). In 2011, Mexican direct investment amounted to $8 million USD while Belizean investment to Mexico amounted to $4 million USD.[8]

Resident diplomatic missions

References

  1. ^ History of Belize
  2. ^ a b c d e History of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Belize (in Spanish)
  3. ^ Visita Oficial del Primer Ministro de Belize (in Spanish)
  4. ^ Felipe Calderón recibe al primer ministro de Belice, Dean Barrow (in Spanish)
  5. ^ Primer informe de labores de la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (in Spanish)
  6. ^ Cena Oficial que ofrecia el Primer Ministro de Belice en honor del Presidente Vicente Fox (in Spanish)
  7. ^ Mexican Ministry of the Economy: Belize (in Spanish)
  8. ^ Trade between Mexico and Belize (in Spanish)
  9. ^ Embassy of Belize in Mexico (in Spanish)
  10. ^ Embassy of Mexico in Belize (in English and Spanish)
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