Today, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Juan Antonio Briceño of Belize signed the agreement establishing the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE). The Agency already has 21 signatures and eight ratifications.
Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena was witness of honor at the event. She said that, by signing the agreement, Belize strengthens the regional integration mechanism. As a member of ALCE, Belize will be able to enter into cooperation agreements and exchange experiences with other Latin American and Caribbean countries involving the satellite monitoring of environmental conditions and hydrometeorological risks.
ALCE is based in Querétaro, Mexico. It is the international organization that will coordinate cooperation on space technology and its applications. Contributing to and strengthening the sustainable and comprehensive development of space-related technology will benefit the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Agency will use the technological capabilities of the Latin American and Caribbean countries to promote development; improve satellite communication systems; improve early warning systems; map the region’s strengths, opportunities and risks due to the effects of climate change; and increase the observation systems involved in preventing natural disasters and improving agriculture.
Prime Minister Briceño was accompanied at the signing by the Ambassador of Belize in Mexico, Oscar Lorenzo Arnold, and the Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Belize in Mexico, Maximiliano Ruíz.
The Foreign Ministry was represented by Legal Advisor Alejandro Celorio Alcántara; Gustavo Cabrera Rodríguez, Mexico's ALCE representative; Daniel Cámara Ávalos, Director General of American Regional Organizations; Azucena Sahagún Segoviano, Director of Multilateral Treaties; and Carlos Valera Paulino, Coordinator for Central America and Cuba Bilateral Relations.
