The Emirates News Agency reported that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a cable of congratulations to Dame Froyla Tzalam Governor-General of Belize. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai followed with a similar message on the same occasion. The communications extended best wishes for further progress and prosperity to the Governor-General and the Belizean people while underscoring the friendly relations between the two nations.
These messages arrived as Belize observes its Independence Day which commemorates the anniversary of its separation from the United Kingdom. According to national holiday records the country has marked September 21 as Independence Day since 1981 when it achieved full sovereignty. Celebrations typically include parades cultural performances and community events that highlight Belizean heritage and national unity.
The timing of the congratulations aligns with recent steps to deepen UAE-Belize relations. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Envoy Omar Shehadeh concluded an official visit to Belize in June 2026 accompanied by Non-Resident Ambassador Salem Rashed Al Owais. Discussions focused on investment prospects digital transformation initiatives and the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with CARICOM.
Shehadeh held talks with Prime Minister John Briceño and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade during the visit. The ministry’s account noted that the meetings addressed shared priorities and explored avenues for expanded cooperation. Belize reaffirmed its solidarity with the UAE on regional issues in the course of those exchanges.
Earlier diplomatic groundwork included the presentation of credentials by Ambassador Al Owais to Belizean Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca in November 2025. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement detailed how Al Owais conveyed greetings from UAE leadership and committed to advancing ties across multiple sectors. Fonseca responded by expressing his country’s readiness to support the ambassador’s efforts to strengthen bilateral bonds.
The UAE’s engagement with Belize forms part of a wider outreach to Caribbean and Pacific states. The ministry has described these interactions as building on a foundation of mutual respect and common development goals. Such exchanges continue to open pathways for collaboration in economic and technological fields.
