JAPAN-Belize PM holds talks with his Japanese counterpart.

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Belize Prime Minister John Briceño has held talks with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, according to an official statement issued here on Monday.

“The two leaders also discussed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries and explored future areas of development, including economic cooperation and increased direct interpersonal exchanges,” the brief statement said.

The meeting, which followed the conclusion of Belize’s National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, was attended by Prime Minister Ishiba, who expressed the hope that the Expo would provide an opportunity to showcase the appeal of Belize to Japan and the rest of the world.

“I am filled with pride to see what we, as a small country, produce. Our people are here representing us well on the world stage, and the reception has been overwhelming,” Prime Minister Briceño said while visiting the Belize Pavilion and meeting with presenters.

Prime Minister Briceño also held discussions with Yasushi Misawa, Ambassador and Vice Commissioner General of the 2025 World Exposition.

The statement said that the meeting highlighted “the strong and mutually beneficial bilateral relations between Belize and Japan, along with shared enthusiasm for Belize’s representation on its National Day at the Expo”.

Belize Day at the Expo 2025 Osaka was held under the theme “One Belize, One Purpose: Ecosystem for Life” with the statement indicating that the event marked a moment of cultural and diplomatic significance with Belize delivering “a vibrant and meaningful showcase of its heritage, development vision, and international partnerships” including Garifuna drumming, Maya dance, and Creole and Mestizo traditions, as well as presentations on trade, tourism, and sustainable development.

In his address to the National Day event that also featured a formal flag-raising ceremony, Prime Minister Briceño said, “Belize is honored to stand among the nations of the world at Expo 2025 Osaka.

“This is more than a celebration of our identity; it is a declaration of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and meaningful global collaboration.”

The government statement said that the Belize Pavilion, a collaborative effort led by BELTRAIDE, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), and the Blue Bond Unit, received over 850,000 visitors to date and will remain open to the public until October 15, this year.

“It offers interactive exhibits on investment opportunities, blue economy innovations, sustainable tourism, and made in Belize products,” the statement added.