A 21-gun salute featured in Taiwan’s official welcome to the prime minister of Belize on Wednesday. It’s the first time a foreign leader has got that kind of reception since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than two years ago.
Belize’s Prime Minister Johnny Briceño arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday for a five-day visit.
President Tsai Ing-wen welcomed Briceño to Taiwan in a grand ceremony outside the Presidential Office Building. She says she looks forward to using the visit to strengthen ties between Taiwan and Belize.
Belize is one of 14 countries that have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
At Wednesday’s ceremony, Belize’s Prime Minister Briceño said ties between Taiwan and Belize have grown stronger over nearly 33 years of friendship. He says Taiwan and Belize should work with their allies to ensure that the values of freedom and democracy are respected worldwide.