China’s President Xi Jinping recently hosted Honduran President Xiomara Castro, marking the first bilateral discussion held in Beijing between the two nations.
President Xi organized a grand ceremony to welcome Castro, who commenced her six-day state visit to China last week.
The meeting underscores a crucial milestone in China-Honduras relations, particularly following Honduras’ diplomatic break with Taiwan in March.
The Central American nation has acknowledged Taiwan as an “inalienable part of Chinese territory.”
Following the meeting, President Xi stated that China is fully prepared to foster amicable relations with Honduras.
The goal is to support Honduras’ economic and social advancement, positioning China as a trustworthy friend and partner committed to mutual respect, equality, mutual benefits, and shared development.
These concerted efforts aim to yield tangible benefits for the citizens of both nations.
Moreover, President Xi has expressed his commitment to launching negotiations on a free trade agreement with Honduras “as soon as possible.”
The meeting resulted in the signing of around 17 documents aimed at amplifying the recently established bilateral ties.
As highlighted by China’s vice foreign minister Hua Chunying, the domains covered in these bilateral cooperation agreements include Belt and Road construction, economy, trade, quality inspection, agriculture, science and technology, culture, and education.
Accompanying Castro on this visit are her children, Héctor Manuel Zelaya Castro, her private secretary, and Xiomara Hortensia Zelaya Castro, a representative for the ruling Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre).
Enrique Reina, the secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and several other officials are also part of the visiting delegation.
Before President Castro’s arrival, a contingent of approximately 21 Honduran journalists arrived in China.
Moreover, a business delegation from Honduras also traveled to meet their Chinese counterparts in a high-level business meeting.
President Castro’s itinerary included visiting Shanghai, where she interacted with the president of the New Development Bank (NDB) of the BRICS, Dilma Rousseff.
She also met with Liang Hua, the CEO of the Huawei Research and Development Center. President Castro emphasized the potential for partnership with China, which could help Honduras enhance its economy and improve its citizens’ quality of life.
The inauguration of Beijing’s embassy in Honduras last week marks yet another significant milestone in bilateral relations.
Additionally, the new Honduran embassy in the People’s Republic of China, located in Beijing, was officially inaugurated by Honduran Foreign Minister Reina and his Chinese counterpart, Qin Gang.
In a notable development, Salvador Moncada, a renowned Honduran scientist, has been appointed as the inaugural ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.
Foreign Minister Reina expressed confidence in Moncada’s ability to represent Honduras and deepen bilateral relations.
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