The nations of Belize and Guatemala established diplomatic relations in 1991, ten years after Belizean independence. The two countries have had a long-standing dispute over the territory of Belize. Both nations are members of the Association of Caribbean States, Central American Integration System, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Organization of American States and the United Nations.
History
In September 1981 Belize obtained its independence from the United Kingdom. Since its independence, relations between Belize and Guatemala have been tense due to an unresolved territorial dispute going back since the UK governed then British Honduras (present-day Belize). In August 1991, Guatemalan President Jorge Serrano Elías officially recognized Belize as an independent country, and stated his willingness to settle the dispute between both nations; however, President Serrano Elías did not drop the territorial dispute claims which continue to persist.
In September 1991, both nations established diplomatic relations.Relations with Guatemala Belize soon accepted an ambassador from Guatemala; however, the Guatemalan government did not accredit the first ambassador from Belize until December 1996.President's Central America Trip: Guatemala
Under Guatemala President Álvaro Arzú, his administration tried resolving the dispute with Belize, making it the number one priority. In early 1996, the Guatemalan Congress ratified two long-pending international agreements governing frontier issues and maritime rights. In 2000, Belizean Prime Minister Said Musa paid a visit to Guatemala to attend the inauguration of President Alfonso Portillo.
In 2018, Guatemala held a territorial dispute referendum where 95% of voters voted yes. A year later, Belize also held a territorial dispute referendum where 55% of voters voted yes. As a result, in 2020 Guatemala took the case of territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Both countries continue to wait for a ruling.Comienza la recta final del diferendo territorial entre Guatemala y Belice (in Spanish)
In December 2023 President-elect Bernardo Arévalo paid a visit to Belize and met with Prime Minister Johnny Briceño.El presidente electo de Guatemala visita Belice tras su paso por Costa Rica (in Spanish) In January 2024 Prime Minister Briceño traveled to Guatemala to attend President Arévalo's inauguration.
In August 2024, Belizean Prime Minister Johnny Briceño traveled to Guatemala and met with President Bernardo Arévalo.Cabinet Brief In August 2025, Prime Minister Briceño and President Arévalo met again along with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Calakmul, Mexico. The three leaders announced the creation of a tri-national nature reserve to protect the Mayan rainforest. They also discussed bringing Mexico's Tren Maya to both Belize and Guatemala.Mexico, Guatemala, Belize to create tri-national Mayan jungle reserveMexico, Guatemala and Belize to create tri-national nature reserve to protect Mayan jungle
High-level visits
High-level visits from Belize to GuatemalaJoint Communiqué of the Governments of Belize and GuatemalaGuatemala’s new president sworn in; Belize PM attends Foreign Minister Said Musa (1991) Prime Minister Said Musa (2000) Prime Minister Dean Barrow (2016) Prime Minister Johnny Briceño (January and August 2024)
High-level visits from Guatemala to BelizeForeign Affairs Ministers of Guatemala and Belize Meet Foreign Minister Fernando Carrera (2014) President-elect Bernardo Arévalo (2023)
Transportation There are direct flights between both nations with Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos.
Bilateral agreements Both nations have signed a few bilateral agreements such as an Agreement for Preferred Tariffs (2006); Agreement of Protection, Conservation, Recovery and Return of Items of Cultural and Natural Patrimony Which Have Been Stolen, Pilfered, Looted, Exported or Trafficked Unlawfully (2014); Agreement for Expedited Deportation (2014); Agreement for an Equivalence of Studies and the Recognition of Educational Documents (2014); Agreement for Seasonal Workers Program (2014); Agreement of Cooperation on Sustainable Tourism (2014); Agreement of the Transfer of Prisoners for Serving of Penal Sentences (2014); and an Agreement to create the Biocultural Corridor of the Great Mayan Forest (2025).Tratados entre Guatemala y Belice (in Spanish)Acuerdo de Alcance Parcial (in Spanish)Summarizing the 13 Agreements between Belize and GuatemalaEn un acuerdo histórico, México, Guatemala y Belice crean el Corredor Biocultural de la Gran Selva Maya, el más grande del mundo en su tipo (in Spanish)
Resident diplomatic missions Belize has an embassy in Guatemala City.Embassy of Belize in Guatemala City Guatemala has an embassy in Belize City and a consulate-general in Benque Viejo del Carmen.Embassies of Guatemala in Central America (in Spanish)Consulate-General of Guatemala in Benque Viejo del Carmen
See also Belize–Guatemala border Belizean–Guatemalan territorial dispute Foreign relations of Belize Foreign relations of Guatemala
References