TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Belize’s Deputy Minister of Education Dian Maheia and University of Belize President Vincent Palacio arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for talks on academic cooperation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) welcomed the delegation at a luncheon, noting that Taiwan and Belize have deepened cooperation across various fields since establishing diplomatic relations 36 years ago, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Education, in particular, has been a key pillar of bilateral ties, he said.

The two countries have worked together to help the University of Belize establish a Regional Language Center, Chen said. He emphasized that higher education plays a crucial role in talent development and international engagement, adding that the visit would help strengthen academic cooperation and enhance bilateral ties.

Maheia said Taiwan and Belize share a close, family-like bond and that she was honored to visit again. She expressed hope that the delegation would gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s higher education policies and practices.

The delegation will meet with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance. They will also visit several universities and hospitals, and co-host a Taiwan–Belize education forum with the Embassy of Belize in Taiwan.

The foreign ministry said Taiwan and Belize enjoy strong diplomatic ties and have promoted scholarship programs, enabling outstanding Belizean students to study in Taiwan.