25 July 2014 – During his visit to Belize, Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. called on Prime Minister Dean Barrow on July 21 at his office in Belize City. During the courtesy call, the Philippine Ambassador and Prime Minister Brown expressed their countries’ desire for expanded bilateral relations between the Philippines and Belize.

Philippine Ambassador Dilem presented a copy of his Letter of Credence to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Joy Grant at the Foreign Ministry Building in Belmopan.  Duing the meeting, Ms. Grant was accompanied by Foreign Ministry Chief Executive Officer Alexis Rosado. During the meeting it was mutually agreed that the Philippines and Belize work closely on the issue of climate change since it has had a drastic and direct effect on both countries.

Ms. Grant, who is also the Minister of Energy, Science and Technology and Public Utilities met the Philippine delegation on behalf of Foreign Minister Wilfred Peter Erlington who was on an official mission in Turkey at the time of the meeting.

Philippine Ambassador Dilem also met with the private sector represented by Ms. Kim Aikman, Chief Executive Officer of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry  (BCCI)  in their  office  located in Belize City.  The Philippine Ambassador informed Ms. Aikman   the possibility of expanding trade with Belize to which the latter was very receptive. The Ambassador concluded the meeting by inviting Ms. Aikman to visit Manila to participate in the FAME 2014 to be held in October 2014.  He provided Ms. Aikam with informational materials on FAME 2014 and sought her assistance in disseminating the information to the members of the BCCI.  Ms. Aikman welcomed the invitation and stated that she would notify the BCCI members of the upcoming trade exhibition. END