In a significant diplomatic development, the foreign ministers of Belize and Guatemala convened high-level talks at the Organization of American States (OAS) office in the adjacency zone on January 22, 2026. This meeting marks a crucial step in bilateral relations as both nations await the International Court of Justice’s final ruling on their longstanding territorial dispute.
The conference, facilitated by the OAS’s new special representative, focused on strengthening confidence-building measures and establishing frameworks for post-ICJ cooperation. Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca emphasized the meeting’s importance in reviewing progress made throughout 2025 and determining the OAS’s future role following the court’s decision.
Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez participated in discussions addressing mutual concerns and developing strategies for maintaining regional stability. The OAS office has served as a critical diplomatic channel for both countries over the past two decades, facilitating dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms.
The timing of these talks is particularly significant as they occur alongside the ongoing ICJ proceedings, demonstrating both governments’ commitment to peaceful resolution regardless of the judicial outcome. The ministers explored concrete measures to ensure continued cooperation on border security, economic development, and cross-border initiatives after the court delivers its historic ruling.