For the second year in a row the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has documented its accomplishments and defeats in a Foreign Policy Yearbook. While for most, Belize's diplomatic efforts stop at warding off Guatemala and mollycoddling Taiwan, the 116 pages covers the good and the bad on the diplomatic front. That includes failures like the now stalled Guatemala talks, the apparently aborted Caribbean Court of Justice, and the impasse over the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Then there was good news like the state visit of Taiwan's President Chen Shui Bian in September and his commitment to provide US$15 million for debt relief and institutional strengthening.
Speaking at the book's launch were Foreign Minister Godfrey Smith and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp and Taiwanese Ambassador Charles Tsai.
Ambassador Charles Tsai, Dean of Diplomatic Corp
"These policy goals focused on Belize's territorial, political, and economic security. It also provided us with a clear picture of what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize has accomplished for the year 2004. Belize has distinguished itself greatly through effective networking and innovative multilaterism despite continuing challenges. The Belize foreign policy yearbook 2004 again provides the most current and authoritative information and an excellent summary of Belize foreign policy initiatives including the expanding area of collaboration between multilateral organizations."
Hon. Godfrey Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"It gives us at the Ministry occasion to pause and reflect on the year and that enables us to plan better for the future. But beyond that I think the yearbook is important to give Belize visibility as is pointed out in one review that I read for the 2003 yearbook. The fact that you are a small country, the fact that you do not carry much influence or have a big punch as a small country requires that you seek creative means to expose your country and of course a foreign policy yearbook like this one helps give police some exposure."
Noticeably missing from the yearbook is a decision last year by Cabinet to streamline our embassies and consulates abroad in attempt to cut costs. A number of embassies were closed and staff either laid off or assigned elsewhere in the government service.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
