Tegucigalpa, 27 July 2022 (TDI): The President of Honduras, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, met with US Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, on Tuesday.
Presidenta @XiomaraCastroZ recibe al secretario del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos de América, @SecMayorkas, con el fin de abordar temas de interés bilateral. Su visita, reitera los lazos de amistad que unen a las dos naciones. pic.twitter.com/uV1vjel96A
— Secretaría de Prensa de Honduras (@gobprensaHN) July 26, 2022
Agenda of the Meeting
Mayorkas arrived accompanied by the US Ambassador to Honduras, Laura Dogu.
During the visit, the senior US official and his delegation addressed issues of bilateral interest. Accordingly, the meeting reiterated the bonds of friendship that unite the two nations.
President Zelaya and Secretary Mayorkas discussed matters of mutual interest, including the problem of irregular migration. Furthermore, they also discussed strategic partnerships, especially regarding addressing the root causes of countering human trafficking.
Moreover, Zelaya also mentioned the migratory status of the more than 3000 unaccompanied minors on the southern border.
Private Secretary of the Honduran Presidency, Hector Zelaya, shared the news on his official Twitter account:
La visita de @AliMayorkas es un paso que fortalece la agenda entre ambas naciones. Migración, TPS, Visas de Trabajo, y DDHH son de temas centrales en esta visita. Lo que viene es importante. pic.twitter.com/U2BOvtMseC
— Hector Manuel Zelaya Castro (@HectorZelaya) July 27, 2022
In his Tweet, he said: “The visit of Mayorkas is a step that strengthens the agenda between both nations. Migration, TPS, Work Visas, and Human Rights are central topics in this visit.”
In addition, Mayorkas also expressed his condolences for the death of the six Hondurans in an overheated tractor-trailer in Texas.
Secretary Mayorkas will also meet with key UN agencies that provide protection and support to migrants and vulnerable populations.
Moreover, the Foreign Minister, Enrique Reina, and the US Ambassador to Honduras, Laura Dogu, also participated.
US-Honduras relations
Honduras is an ally of the United States, and Hondurans historically view the United States favorably.
The USA works with Honduras to address regional challenges – including irregular migration, the fight against corruption, and narcotics trafficking.
In addition, the US is Honduras’s most important economic partner. The United States is working with Honduras to address constraints on inclusive economic growth.
Moreover, the Dominican Republic-Central America FTA (CAFTA-DR) entered into force between the United States and Honduras in 2006. It eliminates most tariffs and barriers to US goods destined for the Central American market.
Likewise, Honduras is an active member of international organizations, including the UN, OAS, WTO, IMF, World Bank, and IADB.
MA in International Relations at Sichuan University
