Chinese President Xi Jinping and Honduran President Xiomara Castro exchanged congratulations on Tuesday over the first anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

Mr Xi pointed out that in March 2023, China and Honduras established diplomatic ties, opening a new chapter in their bilateral relations.

He noted that during Ms Castro’s successful state visit to China last June, they held talks and reached an important consensus, setting the direction for developing bilateral relations.

He said that over the past year, the two sides have upheld the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and common development, ensuring that bilateral relations have started to grow from a high level.

Mr Xi said he appreciated Honduras’s firm adherence to the one-China principle, stressing that facts had proved the establishment of the China-Honduras diplomat.

The Chinese said it was a correct political decision made in compliance with the historical trend and served the fundamental interests of the two nations.

Mr Xi said he attached great importance to the development of China-Honduras relations.

He said he was willing to work with Ms Castro to take the first anniversary of bilateral ties as an opportunity to consolidate mutual support.

He added that they would expand all-round cooperation and jointly write a better future for China-Honduras relations.

Ms Castro said China, with its multi-millennial civilisation and major role in the historical process, is a role model for the world and an important partner of Honduras.

She said the past year saw China’s dedication to innovative development, its participation in efforts to find solutions to global problems and strenuous assistance with worldwide poverty reduction efforts.

She expressed her wish that the two nations would enjoy a long-lasting friendship.

(NAN)