TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister John Briceno on his reelection.

Taiwan Ambassador to Belize, Hsu Li-wen (徐儷文), extended a congratulatory message to Briceno after his People’s United Party won the general election on Wednesday, the foreign ministry said.

Under Briceno's leadership, Belize has repeatedly voiced support for Taiwan in international forums, the ministry said. It pledged the Taiwan government would continue strengthening its ties with Belize and deepen bilateral cooperation.

The foreign ministry called the election process “peaceful and smooth," demonstrating the Central American nation’s commitment to upholding democracy. 

Briceno said the reelection validates his performance during his first term and reaffirmed Belize’s democracy, per Breaking Belize News. The country must stay stable and deliver on its promises, he said.

Briceno visited Taiwan in May to attend President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) inauguration. He told Taiwan News that “Taiwan can help us in many ways,” under his “Plan Belize” medium development plan. 

Taiwan can share its technology and experience to help the Central American country “in development and facilitate access to cheap financing for development in housing, infrastructure development, and investment in small businesses,” Briceno said.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1989.