35 Years of Russia–Belize Diplomatic Relations: Expanding Cooperation and Shared Commitment to a Multipolar World

Kathmandu — Russia and Belize have marked the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, with leaders of both countries reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation. On June 25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Belizean Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs John Briceño exchanged congratulatory messages, expressing their willingness to make bilateral relations more active.

Official contacts between Russia and Belize were established during the Soviet era on June 25, 1991. Later, on August 14, 1992, the Government of Belize officially recognized the Russian Federation as the continuing state of the Soviet Union. On this historical foundation, relations between the two countries have gradually developed through political dialogue, legal agreements and cooperation at international forums.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, although the history of bilateral relations is relatively short, the two countries have created a solid legal framework for mutually beneficial cooperation. Moscow sees opportunities to further expand cooperation in trade, diplomatic dialogue, cultural contacts, people to people exchanges and multilateral engagement.

Institutional ties between the two countries became more active after 2017. On September 5, 2017, on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and then Belizean Foreign Minister Wilfred Peter Elrington signed a protocol on consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

On September 25, 2018, during the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, Russia and Belize signed the Treaty on Basic Relations following a meeting between Lavrov and Elrington. The treaty is considered an important foundation for placing bilateral relations within a more formal, stable and long term framework.

Another important step came on September 23, 2021, when the two countries signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for nationals of Russia and Belize. The agreement was signed by Lavrov and then Belizean Foreign Minister Eamon Harrison Courtenay on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. It is expected to facilitate people to people contact, tourism, business visits and cultural exchange.

In his message marking the anniversary, Foreign Minister Lavrov emphasized the need to unlock the full potential of bilateral relations. He underlined cooperation at international forums and joint efforts to build a multipolar world as important dimensions of Russia Belize relations.

Prime Minister and Acting Foreign Minister Briceño also expressed commitment to strengthening relations with Russia in areas of mutual interest. From Belize’s perspective, cooperation with Russia could also contribute positively to wider engagement involving the Caribbean region.

For Russia, relations with Belize are not merely routine diplomatic ties with a small state. They are also connected with the principles of the United Nations system, sovereign equality, international law and strict adherence to the UN Charter. The Russian Foreign Ministry has noted that the two countries share similar approaches to a number of global issues and that Moscow is interested in expanding dialogue and cooperation with Belize on the international stage.