Belmopan, Sep 26 (NationPress) The Indian Ambassador to Mexico, Pankaj Sharma, had a significant meeting with Belize's Prime Minister John Briceno, extending warm wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Belize's Independence Day. During their discussion, they explored opportunities for collaboration in affordable healthcare, particularly focusing on the Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP).

Sharma expressed, "It was a great privilege to meet H.E. Mr. John Briceno, Hon'ble Prime Minister of Belize, and to convey greetings from Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi on Belize's Independence Day @ 44. We also briefly discussed the potential for collaboration in affordable healthcare, especially via the Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP), aimed at providing cheaper quality medicines and medical devices to the populace. Heartfelt congratulations to our friends in Belize on this momentous day - 21st September!" shared the Indian Embassy in Mexico on Friday.

In addition, Sharma met with Belize's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration, Francis Fonseca, thanking him for the invitation to Diplomatic Week in Belize. The Indian envoy highlighted the strong and growing partnership between the two countries in both bilateral and multilateral contexts.

"I had the privilege of meeting the Hon'ble Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration of Belize, H.E. Mr. Francis Fonseca. I expressed my gratitude for the kind invitation to attend Diplomatic Week in Belize. Belize and India are forging a vital and expanding partnership, both bilaterally and in multilateral platforms, including SICA and CARICOM," the Indian Embassy in Belize stated.

Sharma also expressed his appreciation to Mr. Arun Hotchandani, the Honorary Consul of India in Belize, for his unwavering support and cooperation in enhancing bilateral ties with Belize. The embassy's social media post acknowledged the Hotchandani family's warm hospitality, which provides a home away from home for Indians in Belize.

On the eve of Independence Day, Belize's Governor General Froyla Tzalam hosted a splendid reception, inviting the diplomatic corps to partake in the celebratory events.

In a post shared on X, the Indian Embassy in Mexico stated, "We thanked H.E. Ms. Froyla Tzalam, Hon'ble Governor General, for hosting a wonderful reception on the eve of Belize's Independence Day and for inviting the Diplomatic Corps to enjoy the festivities! She emphasized the profound bond and friendship between India and Belize and expressed a commitment to further strengthen this important relationship."

Last week, Pankaj Sharma also engaged with Dian Maheia, CEO of Belize's Ministry of Education, discussing various methods to bolster cooperation in the education sector.

"I had a productive meeting last week with H.E. Ms. Dian Maheia, CEO of Belize's Ministry of Education. We explored various opportunities to enhance cooperation in academic and educational areas, especially as part of South-South cooperation. We anticipate increased engagement from Belize in India's flagship ITEC programme," the Indian Embassy in Mexico shared on X.