MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK-Spain collaboration in Guatemala-Belize

Bill Rammell, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs visited Guatemala and Belize between 13-17 January. Mr. Rammell attended the inauguration of the new Guatemalan President, Oscar Berger and later visited a UK-funded project in a community near the Adjacency Zone in Guatemala.

This is Mr Rammell's first visit to Central America and his first joint UK-Spain programme with Mr. Miguel Cortes, the Spanish foreign minister responsible for Latin America.

'I am delighted to have represented the UK at the inauguration of President Berger during my first visit to Guatemala and Belize".

'I have undertaken part of the programme with Sr Miguel Cortes, my Spanish colleague.'

'This is the first time that a UK and Spanish Minister have shared such a programme ? not only in Guatemala but anywhere in Latin America. This is a clear signal of our joint commitment to this region and our determination to foster its future prosperity and development", added Mr. Rammell who signed a joint agreement with Mr Cortes and delivered a speech focussing on governance, highlighting the United Kingdom-Spain partnership.

During his visit Mr Rammell met a range of Guatemalan and Belizean government figures, key business and commercial leaders, human rights workers and the Organisation of American States (OAS). Mr Rammell also visited a successful developmental project in Suculte (Guatemala) where the UK has donated £650,000. The project is a plant nursery that has given a boost to the local economy and could help reduce tensions between Guatemalan and Belizean communities in the Adjacency Zone area.

In Belize, Mr Rammell delivered a speech on regional trade and investment and also launched the Belize British Chamber of Commerce, which was established by the British High Commission to enhance UK-Belize trade links.

Mr Rammell later visited the University of Belize and announced UK funding of £60,000 towards a joint project between the University of Belize and the University of San Carlos in Guatemala. The main focus of the project will be an international conference in March, which will look at the role of education in conflict resolution, human rights and economic integration.

A long standing territorial dispute exists between Guatemala and British Commonwealth Belize. An Adjacency Zone runs the length of the Belize-Guatemala border and the OAS works with both communities in this area to reduce tension and increase collaboration and is also helping both governments work towards a negotiated settlement.