OAS and EU launch new three-year project

_{Photo: (Left) Representatives from the Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and the Organization of American States sign the agreement}

By Kristen Ku

Belize City, Monday, May 27, 2024

The Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union (EU) have signed a new three-year project to support the work of the OAS Mission in the neighbouring region of Belize and Guatemala.

The signing ceremony took place on Saturday, May 25, at the OAS offices in the Belize/Guatemala neighborhood, with representatives of the OAS and the European Union in attendance.

The EU has been a major supporter of the OAS mission since 2012, providing financial assistance to ensure the success of its operations.

“The expansion of the OAS and EU missions in the Neighborhood Region demonstrates the strong commitment of the OAS and EU to peace and security in the Americas,” said Ambassador Agustín Espinosa, Special Representative of the EU Secretary-General for Belize-Guatemala.

The new EU-funded project, with a budget of €3 million (approximately 6.5 million Belize dollars), will continue to support activities to promote dialogue, conflict resolution and community development in the neighbouring areas.

This includes facilitating meetings between the two countries’ armed forces, supporting educational initiatives, and ensuring the continuity of mediation efforts.

“The EU has been an important and continuous supporter of the OAS Mission’s work in Belize and the Guatemala neighbourhood, as we value its peacebuilding activities, efforts to promote dialogue, cross-border operational cooperation and contribution to stability in the region,” noted EU Ambassador to Belize Marian van Steen.

The OAS delegation has played a vital role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between Belize and Guatemala over the past 20 years. The delegation has been instrumental in verifying events in the neighbourhood, promoting political and diplomatic dialogue, and supporting community development projects.

The EU’s renewed support will help ensure that the Neighbourhood Region continues to be a model for cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution, contributing to the overall stability and development of the region.