Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou arrived in Belize at 5:30 this evening. His jet loaded with over 200 journalists, officials and security touched down at the PGIA at 5:18.
He was greeted at the door by Ambassador Joseph Shih and Chief of Protocol Diana Locke. After that, he was introduced to the Prime Minister, who he first met at his inauguration a year ago – and then members of his Cabinet, followed by a 21 cannon salute.
At this hour, President Ma has arrived at the Radisson Fort George, where his delegation has booked about half of the hotel. Tonight, they will be hosted at a banquet with Taiwanese leaders in Belize. And tomorrow, there will be a very full day of official functions including an address to a special sitting of the National Assembly by President Ma, and then a joint press conference by Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow and President Ma. The pair will also sign a number of agreements. That special House sitting will be aired live on Channel 7 at 10:00 in the morning.
The first Taiwanese President to visit Belize was Chen Shui-Bian in September of 2004.
