BEIJING: China and Honduras have vowed to forge a partnership featuring mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development as the heads of state of both countries witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements, including joint construction of the Belt and Road, in Beijing on Monday.
During their historic meeting in Beijing, President Xi Jinping and visiting Honduran President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento had an in-depth exchange of views on the prospects for bilateral ties and on international and regional issues of common concern, and they reached a broad consensus, according to a joint statement released after the meeting.
Xi held a grand welcoming ceremony for Castro before their talks at the Great Hall of the People. The ceremony included a review of the People’s Liberation Army Honor Guard by the two leaders and the firing of a 21-gun salute in Tian’anmen Square.
Castro is in Beijing for a six-day state visit to China that started on Friday. The visit came after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in March.
Both sides agreed that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras on the basis of the one-China principle opens a new chapter in bilateral relations, and conforms to the trend of the times and the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples.
During their talks, Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, relations between China and Honduras have gotten off to a good and speedy start and enjoy great dynamism and broad prospects.
He stressed that the one-China principle is the primary premise and political foundation for the establishment and development of bilateral relations between China and Honduras. He expressed his hope that Honduras will faithfully implement this principle.
Castro said that the establishment of diplomatic relations with China is a historic decision made by the Honduran government that will go down in history. She assured Xi that Honduras would firmly support and abide by the one-China principle and support the efforts of the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.
Xi said China firmly supports Honduras in upholding its national sovereignty and independence, promoting development and improving its people’s well-being. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
