Taiwan is seeking to expand its educational ties with Belize, Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) said Monday, as the country hosted a luncheon for a visiting delegation led by Belizean Deputy Minister of Education Dian Maheia.

The four-member delegation, which includes the University of Belize President Vincent Palacio, is visiting from Sunday to Thursday. Welcoming the group on behalf of the government, Chen emphasized that since establishing diplomatic ties 36 years ago, education has remained a vital pillar of their bilateral relationship, highlighting joint achievements such as scholarship programs and a regional language center. 

Chen expressed confidence that higher education exchanges will foster international talent development and elevate their broader partnership. In response, Maheia expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and emphasized their shared bonds. “The deep affection between Taiwan and Belize is like that of a family,” Maheia said, adding she hopes the trip will forge new milestones for bilateral academic cooperation.

This is Maheia’s second trip to Taiwan, following her attendance at the May 2024 presidential inauguration. The delegation’s current itinerary includes meetings with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), visits to various universities and medical institutions, and an educational exchange forum with representatives from 10 Taiwanese universities.