Belmopan, March 10, 2026.
The Government of Belize, represented by Dr. Hon. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, conducted a series of high-level bilateral meetings in San Salvador, El Salvador, on March 6, 2026. The delegation also included Ambassador Lou-Anne Burns Martinez and Mr. Leroy Martinez, Acting Director of the Climate Finance Unit.
The engagements provided an opportunity to strengthen Belize’s diplomatic and development partnerships while exploring areas of mutual cooperation and shared priorities. During the visit, Minister Martinez held discussions with several senior government and institutional representatives.
During a meeting with H.E. Dr. Félix Ulloa, Vice President of El Salvador, discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in economic and agricultural development, regional integration, climate finance, and education exchange, including scholarship opportunities. Vice President Ulloa provided an update on the Partial Scope Agreement between Belize and El Salvador and encouraged the continued sharing of experiences to identify additional areas of cooperation. The discussion also explored the establishment of a Climate Finance Unit in El Salvador and opportunities for collaboration on climate-smart agriculture initiatives.
Minister Martinez also met with Mrs. Ingrid Figueroa, Executive Director of the Central American Integration System (SICA). Discussions centered on Belize’s upcoming assumption of the Pro Tempore Presidency (PPT) of SICA. Mrs. Figueroa highlighted Belize’s unique role in fostering collaboration between SICA and CARICOM member states. Belize emphasized the importance of strengthening regional integration efforts, particularly in improving connectivity through road infrastructure, expanding commerce and tourism, and facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods across the region.
In a separate meeting with Dr. Federico Rivera, Director General of the Council of Ministers of Finance of Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic (COSEFIN), the Belize delegation received an update on COSEFIN’s “Cargo Pass” initiative, which aims to assess, design, and implement dedicated one-way lanes for cargo trucks at border points to ease traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of regional trade. Discussions also addressed opportunities for collaboration on regional climate finance initiatives, knowledge exchange among member countries, and Belize’s upcoming Pro Tempore Presidency of COSEFIN from July to December 2026.
The delegation also met with H.E. Mr. Kwak Taeyeul, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to El Salvador, where discussions explored opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation and mobilizing grant and highly concessional financing. Priority areas for potential collaboration include upgrading healthcare facilities, wastewater management infrastructure, and the establishment of a forensic laboratory in Belize.
Additionally, Minister Martinez met with Dr. Lourdes Gonzales, Director of ONU Mujeres, where discussions focused on initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs. The meeting explored opportunities to share best practices, strengthen linkages, and develop joint activities aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment in Belize and the wider region.
The Government of Belize looks forward to continued engagement with its international partners as it works to strengthen cooperation, mobilize development support, and advance national priorities for sustainable economic transformation. The Government of Belize also extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of El Salvador for its warm hospitality and the courtesies extended to the Belize delegation during the visit.
