Belize’s history is highlighted by a territorial dispute with Guatemala, and as Belizeans we often think about how horrible it would be for the dispute to turn violent. One country which knows the suffering that a violent territorial dispute can cause is Israel. Israel’s dispute with Palestine has been bloody to say the least and it has been ongoing for generations. Israel has been one of Belize’s allies for a while and that relationship has taken a step forward.

On Monday, November 16, 2009 the Government of Belize and Israel signed an

Minister Elrington said that this agreement is part of a new outlook on foreign affairs. He said that we need to provide more access for our allies instead of barriers. He also made assurances that this agreement in no way suggests that Belize is taking sides in the Israeli/Palestinian dispute. Ambassador Cohen also wanted to acknowledge that Israel has strong relations with all countries in Central America; including Guatemala.

Ambassador Cohen said that thousands of Israelis visit Mexico and Guatemala each year and many of them make their way to Belize’s borders but cannot enter because of visa restrictions. It is estimated that 50 to 60 Israelis visit Belize annually as compared to thousands in our neighbouring countries. The visa waiver is expected to increase the numbers of visitors to Belize significantly. The agreement also improves investor confidence. Two prominent Israeli businessmen accompanied Ambassador Cohen to the signing ceremony on Monday. One of the men has already begun investing in the agricultural sector of Belize’s economy.

It is not certain how the visa waiver agreement will benefit Israel but it is sure to benefit Belize in the area of Tourism and business development.