And while it was a relatively short trip, it's still a lengthy one for Rutley, whose responsibilities cover a large region. At the press conference, he spoke more of the work he did while here in the country.
David Rutley, UK FM For Americas & Caribbean
"This is a very rare for me three-day visit to one country. I don't do that very often. I don't get the chance because I cover a wide area across the Americas, the Caribbean and also overseas territories. But we've got a very strong friendship. I was going to say, I think I sometimes see more Foreign Minister Courtenay more than I see my wife. We certainly, we certainly spent a lot of time in meetings together. This is a visit that I've wanted to do for many, many months. It's just given his agenda and my itinerary, it wasn't possible. So coming straight out after the summer break, I wanted to make sure I came to Belize and spent quality time here, not just a one day in and out visit, but three days, which is, which is very unusual. But what it speaks to is the strength of our relationship and the importance of our bilateral relationship."
"For me it's been a huge positive visit. We've discussed a wide range of issues. We haven't so far in this conversation talk about trade and investment, but there was a very important investment summit that took place recently. We talk to the Prime Minister about that. That focus a lot on the creative sectors. UK got some outstanding creative businesses and there is real creative talent here in Belize, so we need to get better connections that going there about how we can help support the orange economy. But I think there is also opportunities around what we can do with the agriculture and agric-tech and many other sectors as well. So that's the dimension on trade. We talk a lot about climate. Absolutely there is a huge to take forward. Look I've been surprise with the warmth of the welcome, the amazing people here, the fantastic food, the amazing countryside - we need to find ways of helping to get the word out, about what for some people, not me anymore, is the best kept secret."
