And even in a time of civil unrest, the affairs of state continue. Belize and Mexico today sealed a deal for the construction of a new international bridge linking the two countries at the Santa Elena border. Mexico will foot the bill for the US$10 million "Rio Hondo" bridge. Today Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs Godfrey Smith along with the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations Dr. Luis Ernesto Derbez Bautista signed on the dotted line. This afternoon's signing ceremony at the Radisson marked the end of the fifth meeting of the Belize-Mexico Bi-National Commission. The two foreign ministers co-chaired the two-day meeting. Foreign Minister Smith says the new bridge along with a sixth form for the Escuela Mexico High School were some achievements coming out of the meeting.
Godfrey Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"I think it signifies the continuation of collaboration between Belize and Mexico, the fact that we enjoy good cordial relations. You know what the agreements were: the development of a new bridge to ease the flow of traffic, ease the flow of people and trade between the two countries, the extension of Escuela Mejico in Corozal to include a sixth form, and suppression of visas so people can move more freely between the two countries. So I think taken in total, it clearly demonstrates that there is an excellent relationship between our two countries which deepens as we go by."
Construction on the "Rio Hondo" international bridge commences in July and should take a year. Mexico agreed to finance the project while Belize's input will be access roads. The Mexican delegation also informed Belize that US$52.1 million is available for projects in both the public and private sector. The money comes under the San Jose Accord.
