President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday welcomed Honduras’ new ambassador to Taiwan Harold Burgos. Tsai says both countries have a deep love for democracy and freedom, and especially thanked Honduran President Xiomara Castro for continuing to support Taiwan’s international presence.
When Castro was campaigning in 2021, she said she would cut ties with Taiwan and establish diplomatic relations with China if she won. But after her victory, Castro changed her tune, and her government has maintained that it will remain close diplomatic partners with Taiwan.
Ambassador Burgos has deep ties with Taiwan. He studied at National Chengchi University for five years as an undergraduate. He says returning to Taiwan after 10 years feels like coming home, and that a part of his heart has always remained here. President Tsai says Burgos is a great example of the benefits of educational exchanges between Taiwan and Honduras.
Burgos adds his time in Taiwan allowed him to witness the country’s vibrant economic growth, strong industrialization, and carefully planned development strategies. He says these are examples for Honduras to follow, and he hopes his country will be able to achieve these same results.