Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) met with a visiting delegation from Belize this Thursday to discuss expanding academic cooperation, talent development, and sustainable tourism. The delegation included Belize Education Deputy Minister Dian Maheia and University of Belize President Vincent Palacio.

Lin said education and human resource development have long been central to ties between Taiwan and Belize, noting that scholarship programs have helped train Belizean students in Taiwan. He added that exchanges between the visiting delegation and Taiwanese universities could help identify new areas for collaboration.

The foreign minister highlighted Belize’s tourism potential, citing attractions such as the Great Blue Hole, a large marine sinkhole off the Belizean coast. He said both sides should continue promoting sustainable tourism while strengthening vocational training in sectors including hospitality.

Maheia thanked Taiwan for its support in education, saying Belizean students who study in Taiwan have become valuable assets to the country. She said visits to institutions, including National Chung Hsing University, Dayeh University, and Meiho University, provided opportunities to exchange ideas and practical experience.

Palacio expressed appreciation for Taiwan’s recent donation of medical teaching equipment to the university and said he looked forward to expanding cooperation with Taiwanese institutions.

The Foreign Ministry stated that the University of Belize, the country’s only national university, has signed cooperation agreements with Taiwanese universities in recent years, including a new memorandum of understanding with Meiho University during the visit, aimed at broadening learning opportunities for students and deepening bilateral ties.