By Caribbean News Global
TAIPEI, Taiwan, (Taiwan Today) — The government and people of Taiwan congratulated prime minister John Briceno and the People’s United Party on winning the Belize general election, looks forward to closer bilateral cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas going forward, according to the ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA)
“Taiwan is also set to donate US$100,000 to the Central American ally to assist with reconstruction efforts following hurricane Eta,” MOFA said. “The storm left a trail of destruction across the region last week, causing severe flooding in northern Belize, damaging infrastructure and severely impacting the country’s people.”
Prime minister Briceno was sworn in as Belize’s fifth prime minister by Governor-General Sir Colville Young at Government House in the capital Belmopan. He replaces Dean Barrow, who took office in February 2008 and won victories in March 2012 and November 2015.
In a tweet on the MOFA’s Twitter account, the ministry said “The government & people of #Taiwan congratulate @JohnBricenoBZE & People’s United Party on victory in the #Belize elections. We look forward to working closely with the PM going forward. Our heartfelt thanks to former PM Barrow for his rock-solid support of bilateral ties.”
These sentiments were echoed by President Tsai Ing-wen in a tweet on her Twitter account. “I’d like to send congratulations to @JohnBricenoPUP on your election as #Belize PM & appreciation to PM Barrow for all we achieved together. #Taiwan enjoys staunch support from Belize, treasures our longstanding friendship & looks forward to continuing our close collaboration.”
“Recent highlights include the signing of agreements on economic cooperation, open sky air services and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters,” the ministry said. “It is expected the two countries will springboard off this strong foundation in deepening friendship and expanding exchanges for the benefit of the people (YCH-E),” according to the MOFA.
Taiwan continues to demonstrate: Taiwan can help, Taiwan is helping.