Belize Minister of National Defence and Border Security Florencio Marin Jr. touched down in Taiwan June 26 for a five-day visit to discuss bilateral security, as well as economic and high-tech developments, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Other members of his six-person delegation include Christopher Coye, minister of state in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, and Dario Tapia, chief executive officer of the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security.
During their stay in the country, group members will attend a banquet hosted by Vice Foreign Minister Alexander Tah-ray Yui and call at the Ministries of Economic Affairs and National Defense, Taoyuan City-based National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology and the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council. They will also tour economic and cultural facilities such as ship manufacturing facilities, the National Palace Museum and iconic landmark Taipei 101.
According to the MOFA, Taiwan and Belize share the universal values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. Since the two countries established official ties in 1989, the allies have cooperated closely in areas spanning agricultural innovation, culture, education, infrastructure, public health and women’s empowerment, the ministry added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “A warm welcome to #Belize Minister of National Defence & Border Security Florencio Marin Jr. on his 1st #Taiwan visit! We wish his 6-strong delegation, comprising high-ranking officials from ministries of defense & finance, a fruitful 5-day stay bolstering our security ties.” (YCH-E)
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