Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez left Taiwan on Sunday evening, concluding a three-day visit by the presidential delegation.
President Hernandez came to Taiwan on Friday accompanied by his wife, as well as Honduran Foreign Minister Lisandro Rosales, Finance Minister Luis Mata, and Press Secretary Sandra Castillo.
The delegation met with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday. President Tsai said the visit was one of extraordinary significance, since it was the first presidential delegation from Latin America to visit Taiwan since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year also marks 80 years since Honduras established relations with the Republic of China, which is Taiwan’s official name.
President Hernandez said on Saturday that Honduras and Taiwan were “real friends,” and that “real friendship can only be seen at difficult times.” Honduras is one of fifteen countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Honduran Foreign Minister Rosales was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon for his support of Taiwan and contributions to strengthening ties between the two countries.