Qin Gang and Foreign Minister of Honduras Eduardo Enrique Reina Sign Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Honduras

On the morning of March 26, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks with Foreign Minister of Honduras Eduardo Enrique Reina in Beijing, and they signed the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Honduras on behalf of their respective governments.

Qin Gang said that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the development of China-Honduras relations and asked Foreign Minister Reina to convey his sincere greetings to President Xiomara Castro. China welcomes President Castro to visit China as soon as possible after the establishment of diplomatic relations and jointly draw a blueprint for bilateral relations with President Xi Jinping. The one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community and a universally recognized norm governing international relations. Honduras made the important decision to recognize the one-China principle and join the world trend, which fully meets the fundamental and long-term interests of the country and its people. It is also a choice to stand on the right side of history and the side of a vast majority of countries. China highly appreciates Honduras's clear-cut attitude and firm determination to establish diplomatic relations with China.

Qin Gang pointed out that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras has officially sounded the clarion for the development of bilateral relations. The two sides should lose no time to accelerate and increase understanding, deepen mutual trust and advance practical cooperation, in a bid to make a smooth start for the sound and steady China-Honduras relations. China hopes that Honduras will firmly abide by the one-China principle and foster a sound political and public opinion environment for the smooth development of bilateral relations. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras is aboveboard, and it is a historical trend that no one and no force can stop. The two sides should strengthen coordination, speed up consultations on important bilateral agreements and cooperation mechanisms, reach agreements at an early date, and quickly build the "pillars" of bilateral relations. Honduras is welcome to support and join the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and promote exchanges and mutual learning as well as practical cooperation within relevant frameworks. Efforts should be made to seek synergy and conduct cooperation between the two governments, two parties and two congresses at the sub-national level and in the fields of culture, education, media, tourism and more as soon as possible, and constantly build consensus and pool strength from all walks of life in China and Honduras to promote the development of bilateral relations. China will fully support Honduras in its economic and social development and the improvement of people's living standards. China stands ready to import more unique products from Honduras, and encourages Chinese companies to invest and do business in Honduras, participate in large-scale infrastructure development in Honduras, and give priority to projects that benefit the people's livelihood, so as to deliver tangible results as soon as possible and unleash "dividends" of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras will not only benefit the two peoples, but also have important significance in strengthening solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and promoting greater democracy in international relations.

Qin Gang stressed that the establishment of diplomatic relations is just the first step of a "Long March". He expressed confidence that with the concerted efforts of both sides, China-Honduras relations will make a good start and usher in a bright future.

Reina first conveyed President Castro's sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and said President Castro is glad to visit China upon invitation. The establishment of diplomatic relations between Honduras and China has ushered in a new era of bilateral relations and taken a historic step, which will bring great benefits to the two peoples. Honduras expressed great admiration for China's development achievements. Honduras undertakes to abide by the one-China principle, and stands ready to further strengthen bilateral relations with China, push forward bilateral cooperation in various fields at full speed, enhance communication and coordination in multilateral fields, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Honduras has withdrawn its "ambassador" from Taiwan and will announce the cancellation of all "official" agreements with Taiwan as soon as possible.

After the talks, Qin Gang and Reina signed the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Honduras on behalf of their respective governments, and jointly met the press.