Belize maintains 14 embassies to foreign countries, one consulate, and three missions to international organizations. In 1990, Belize became a member of the Organization of American States, and the Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.
To strengthen its potential for economic and political development, Belize has sought to build closer ties with the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America to complement its historical ties to the English-speaking Caribbean states. Recent foreign policy initiatives include joining with the other Central American countries in signing the CONCAUSA Agreement on regional sustainable development and becoming a full member of the Central American Integration System (SICA). Belize is a member of CARICOM which was founded in 1973.
Diplomatic relations
List of countries with which Belize maintains diplomatic relations with:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="3" |frameless|425x425px
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|1
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|2
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|3
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|5
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|6
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|9
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|10
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|11
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|12
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|13
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|14
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|15
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|16
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|17
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|18
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|19
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|20
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|21
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|22
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|23
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|24
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|25
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|26
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|27
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|28
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|29
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|30
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|31
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|32
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|33
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|34
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|—
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|35
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|36
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|37
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|-style="background:#D3D3D3"
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|38
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|-style="background:#D3D3D3"
|—
| (suspended)
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|39
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|40
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|41
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|42
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|43
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|44
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|45
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|46
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|47
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|48
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|—
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|49
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|50
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|51
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|52
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|53
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|54
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|55
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|56
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|57
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|58
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|86
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|87
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|88
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|89
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|90
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|91
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|92
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|93
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|94
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|95
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|96
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|97
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|98
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|99
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|100
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|101
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|102
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|103
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|104
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|105
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|106
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|107
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|108
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|109
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|110
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|111
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|112
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|113
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|—
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|—
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|116
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|117
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|118
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|119
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|120
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|121
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|122
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|123
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|124
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|125
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|126
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|127
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|128
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|129
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|130
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|131
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|132
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|133
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|134
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|135
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|136
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|137
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|138
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|139
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|140
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|141
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|142
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|143
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|144
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|}
Africa
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:15%;"| Country
! style="width:12%;"| Formal Relations Began
!Notes
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->14 May 1997||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 May 1997.
- Belize does not have any representation in South Africa.
- South Africa is represented in Belize by its High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica.
- Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
|}
Americas
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:15%;"| Country
! style="width:12%;"| Formal Relations Began
!Notes
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->8 January 1992||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 January 1992.
- In 2013 both countries have an agreement on Technical cooperation.
- Argentina is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->November 1981||See Belize–Canada relations
- Belize is accredited to Canada from its embassy in Washington, D.C..
- Canada is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Guatemala City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->15 February 1982||
On 15 February 1982, formal relations were established. Colombia's embassy in Belize closed in 2002 in order to cut down on costs though the embassy of Colombia in El Salvador is also concurrent to Belize. On 17 April 2013, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia in order to strengthen relations.
- Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->1991||See Belize–Guatemala relations
Belize's principal external concern has been the dispute involving the Guatemalan claim to Belizean territory. Initially a dispute between formerly Spanish Guatemala and the United Kingdom's colony of British Honduras, Guatemala continued its claim after Belizean independence in 1981; it recognized its neighbour's independence one decade later, in 1991. The dispute remains unresolved.
- Belize has an embassy in Guatemala City.
- Guatemala has an embassy in Belize City and a consulate-general in Benque Viejo del Carmen.
- Both countries are full members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Central American Integration System, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->1981||See Belize–Guyana relations
- Belize has a high commission in Georgetown.
- Guyana is accredited to Belize from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Georgetown and maintains an honorary consulate in Belize City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->1981||See Belize–Mexico relations
Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Belize were established in 1981.
- Mexico has an embassy in Belmopan.
- Belize has an embassy in Mexico City.
- Both countries are members of the Association of Caribbean States, the Central American Integration System, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->1981||See Belize–United States relations
Belize-United States relations have traditionally been close and cordial. The United States is Belize's principal trading partner and major source of investment funds. It is also home to the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated to be 70,000 strong. Because Belize's economic growth and accompanying democratic political stability are important U.S. objectives, Belize benefits from the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative.
As a member of CARICOM Belize strongly backed efforts by the United States to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 940 designed to facilitate the departure of Haiti's de facto authorities from power. The country agreed to contribute military personnel to the Multinational Task Force which restored the democratically elected Government of Haiti in October 1994 and to the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH).
Belize is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the American military (as covered under Article 98).
International crime issues dominate the agenda of bilateral relations between the United States and Belize. The United States is working closely with the Government of Belize to fight illicit narcotics trafficking, and both governments seek to control the flow of illegal migrants to the United States through Belize. Belize and the United States brought into force a stolen vehicle treaty, an extradition treaty, and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between 2001 and 2003.
The United States is the largest provider of economic assistance to Belize, contributing $2.5 million in various bilateral economic and military aid programs to Belize in FY 2006. Of this amount, nearly $500,000 was provided by the U.S. Military Liaison Office. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) closed its Belize office in August 1996 after a 13-year program during which USAID provided $110 million worth of development assistance to Belize. Belize still benefits from USAID regional programs. In addition, during the past 42 years, almost 2,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Belize. As of April 2007, the Peace Corps had 58 volunteers working in Belize.
Until the end of 2002, Voice of America operated a medium-wave radio relay station in Punta Gorda that broadcast to the neighboring countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. military has a diverse and growing assistance program in Belize that included the construction and renovation of several schools and youth hostels, medical assistance programs, and drug reduction programs. Private North American investors continue to play a key role in Belize's economy, particularly in the tourism sector.
- Belize has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and a consulate-general in Los Angeles.
- United States has an embassy in Belmopan.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->28 September 1987||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 September 1987.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->|| See Belize–India relations
|- valign="top"
|||11 March 1985 (Diplomatic relations severed 15 November 2023)||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1983.
- Belize is represented in Israel through its embassy in London.
- Israeli is represented in Belize through its embassy in San Salvador.
- Since 2011, both countries have an agreement between the government of the state of Israel and the government of Belize on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, service and national passports.
- Both countries severed diplomatic relations on 15 November 2023 amid the Gaza war.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
Under the previous premiership of Said Musa, Belize remained a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights and shunned relations with Israel due to the latter's military and intelligence support for Guatemala.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->14 April 1987||
Belize and South Korea established diplomatic relation on April 14, 1987.
The two nations have good relations.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->1989||See Belize–Taiwan relations
Belize recognizes the Republic of China (ROC, commonly known as Taiwan) as the sole legitimate government of China. Relations were established between Belize and the ROC in 1989.
- Belize has an embassy in Taipei.
- Taiwan has an embassy in Belize City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->Oct. 29, 1981||See Belize–Turkey relations
- Turkish Embassy in Port of Spain is accredited to Belize. Turkey has an Honorary Consul in Belize City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->21 July 2000||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 2000.
- Cyprus is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico.
- Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->15 February 1994||
- The Czech Republic is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and has an honorary consulate.
- Belize has an honorary consulate in Prague.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->15 November 1991
||
- Belize has an honorary consulate in Copenhagen.
- Denmark is represented in Belize by its embassy in Mexico City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->5 May 1999||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1999.
- Estonia has an honorary consulate in Belize.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->19 June 1997||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 June 1997.
- Finland is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Belize City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->1982||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982.
- Germany is represented in Belize through its embassy in Guatemala.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->4 September 1986||
- Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1986.
- Greece does not have any representation in Belize, its embassy in Mexico is also accredited to Belize.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->9 March 1983||
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 March 1983.
- Italy is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
Since 2011, Belize and Norway have an Agreement concerning the exchange of information relating to tax matters they had signed in 2010.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->25 June 1991||
Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1991. Belize immediately recognized Russia as the USSR's successor after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Russia is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and an honorary consulate in Belize City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
Slovakia is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
Belize is represented in Slovenia through its embassy in Vienna.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->13 January 1989||See Belize–Spain relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 January 1989.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
- Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1988.
- Switzerland is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City and since 1996 an honorary consulate in Belize City.
- The United Kingdom is accredited to Belize from its high commission in Belmopan.
The UK governed Belize from 1783 to 1981, when Belize achieved full independence.
Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic Co-operation Pact, Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth, and the World Trade Organization, as well as the CARIFORUM–United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement. Bilaterally the two countries have a Defence Cooperation Agreement, and an Investment Agreement.
|}
Oceania
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:15%;"| Country
! style="width:12%;"| Formal Relations Began
!Notes
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
- Australia is accredited to Belize from its High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
|- valign="top"
|||<!--Date started-->||
New Zealand is accredited to Belize from its embassy in Mexico City.
|}
Belize and the Commonwealth of Nations
Belize has been a member state of the Commonwealth since 1981, when it became an independent Commonwealth realm.
King Charles III as King of Belize is viceregally represented by the Governor-General of Belize.
Multilateral membership
Belize is a member of the following multilateral bodies.
- The Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL)
- Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
- Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA)
- Caribbean Community (Caricom)
- Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
- Caribbean Postal Union (CPU)
- Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU)
- Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)
- CARIFORUM
- Commonwealth of Nations
- Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- Group of 77 (G-77)
- Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
- International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRM)
- International Development Association (IDA)
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- Intelsat (nonsignatory user)
- Interpol
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM) (observer)
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Latin American Economic System (LAES)
- The United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC)
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- Universal Postal Union (UPU)
- World Confederation of Labour (WCL)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
See also
- Government of Belize
- List of diplomatic missions in Belize
- List of diplomatic missions of Belize
- Visa requirements for Belizean citizens
- Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)
References
External links
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
;Guatemala Border
- GAR
- Other Documents
- Submission of Belize/Guatemala Case to ICJ in 2009
- Summary of Legal Opinion of 25 November 2008
- Belize/Guatemala ICJ Compromis Signed at OAS in Washington, D.C. on 8 December 2008
- Compromis
- Videos
- Photographs
- Belize Leading Counsel of 19 December 2008
;Dominican Republic
- Address of the Belizean embassy in Santo Domingo
;Russia
- Bilateral treaties of Belize [pdf]
;Belize