The European Union (EU) and Honduras have formalized an understanding aimed at enhancing their bilateral relations.
The agreement, established on Monday, encompasses topics from human rights to deforestation and aims to foster an ongoing dialogue between the two parties.
EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, emphasized the intent to cultivate a more structured dialogue and deepen the EU-Honduras relationship.
The memorandum represents a pivotal move amid numerous global challenges such as the ongoing tension in Ukraine.
Borrell highlighted the importance of addressing social and economic challenges, strengthening governance, combating corruption, and making economic investments.
Both parties are also committed to fighting climate change, protecting biodiversity, and battling deforestation, with a Forestry Partnership agreement under negotiation.
Honduras’ Foreign Affairs Minister, Eduardo Enrique Reina, acknowledged the positive impact of the EU relationship not only bilaterally but also within broader Central American contexts.
He said the memorandum would enable progress on mutual interests and shared principles in areas such as democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
Reina also underscored the Caribbean’s vulnerability to the climate crisis, and welcomed discussions about deforestation and eco-friendly measures.
He outlined the goal of using such measures to address the root causes of deforestation, sometimes linked to organized crime.
Reina confirmed Honduras’ commitment to environmental matters, respect for human rights, the fight against corruption, and their continued cooperation with the EU.