Ivory Coast continues to expand its international influence. On Thursday, May 14, 2026, in New York, the country officially established diplomatic relations with Belize through the signing of a joint communiqué.

This agreement was initialed by Tiémoko Moriko , Permanent Representative of Côte d'Ivoire to the United Nations, and his Belizean counterpart, Ms. Janine Elizabeth Cove-Felson , acting on behalf of their respective governments.

Towards cooperation focused on agriculture and tourism

This new alliance, based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, paves the way for major strategic exchanges. The two diplomats highlighted several areas for development:

1. Agribusiness: Ms. Cove-Felson praised Côte d'Ivoire's leadership in the cocoa and cashew nut sectors. Opportunities for cooperation were discussed to optimize the processing of these raw materials.
2. Culture and trade: With Belize organizing festivals dedicated to chocolate and cashew nuts, these events could become platforms for economic and cultural rapprochement between the two nations.
3. Environment and tourism: The two countries share strong economic similarities, particularly in the agriculture and tourism sectors, and plan to actively collaborate on climate resilience issues.

“This initiative is part of the dynamic of diversifying international partnerships initiated by the President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara.” — Tiémoko Moriko , Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to the UN.

A strategy of ongoing diplomatic expansion

This signing formalizes a directive from the Council of Ministers dated September 30, 2024, which authorized the extension of the diplomatic map of Ivory Coast.

Having recently formalized its ties with Guyana , the country continues its opening up to the world. In recent months, Ivorian diplomacy has forged alliances with several other states, including:

1. Bolivia
2. Jamaica
3. The Principality of Andorra
4. Moldova
5. Uzbekistan

About Belize: Located in Central America, Belize is a member state of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and the Commonwealth. Its economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and fishing.