Belize

Diplomatic relations between Brazil and Belize were established in March 1983. In 2006, they gained momentum with the opening of the Embassy of Brazil in Belmopan, thus completing the Brazilian diplomatic network in the continental America. The two countries agreed to open diplomatic missions during the visit of  Prime Minister Said Musa to Brazil in 2005.

Bilateral technical cooperation, one of the main themes of the relation between Brazil and Belize, is founded upon the Technical Cooperation Agreement signed in 2005 and ratified in November 2008.

The main  issue of Belize’s foreign policy is the process of definition of its  borders with Guatemala. In this regard, the Organization of American States (OAS) has fostered dialogue between the two countries. In 2003, the OAS established an Office in the “Adjacency Zone” – a one-kilometer strip on either side of the “Adjacency Line”,  representing the provisional boundary between the two countries. In that same year, the Organization also created the “Group of Friends”, which provides political, operational and financial support to the process. Brazil is a member of the Group and has made contributions to the Peace Fund,  most recently in 2009. Following a popular referendum held in the two countries, Belize and Guatemala agreed to submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

In 2019, bilateral trade totaled $9.2 million. Brazilian exports reached $7.2  million while imports amounted to $2 million. Brazil had a favorable trade balance with Belize with a surplus of $5.2 million.

Chronology of the bilateral relations

2020 - The Brazilian government donated $25,000 to Belize, through its Brazilian Cooperation Agency, as humanitarian cooperation, in the context of the damage caused by Hurricane Eta

2015 - Entry into force of the Agreement on Tourism and Business Visa Waiver for citizens from both countries

2013 - Belize's Deputy Foreign Trade and Investment Minister, Michael Sing, visits Brazil in November

2011 - Bilateral meeting between Brazilian and Belizean foreign ministers, on the sidelines of the CARICOM Summit, in Granada

2010 - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize, Wilfred Elrington, visits Brazil on the occasion of the 1st Brazil-Caribbean Community Summit (CARICOM). After the passage of Hurricane Tomas in Belize, Brazil donates $145,000 to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

2010 – In the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas, which hit Belize, Brazil donates, through FAO, $ 145,000 to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), for immediate response and repair of schools

2009 - Brazil donates $25,000 to the Belize–Guatemala subfund of the OAS Peace Fund

2007 - Brazil donates $45,000  to Belize for the acquisition of 2,000 food baskets

2006 - Establishment of the Brazilian embassy in Belize

2005 – The Prime Minister of Belize, Said Musa, visits Brazil and meets with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

2003 - Brazil donates $25,000 to the Belize-Guatemala subfund of the OAS Peace Fund

2002 - Brazil donates $7,500 to the Belize-Guatemala subfund of the OAS Peace Fund

1983 - Establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Belize