Senior Chinese legislator visits Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, visited Honduras from Wednesday to Friday.

During their stay in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa, Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Honduran President Xiomara Castro and held talks with Luis Redondo, president of the National Congress of Honduras.

The visit aims to follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, he said, applauding the leapfrog growth in bilateral relations under the guidance of the two heads of state since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than a year ago.

China has always viewed the bilateral relations from the long-term perspective to improve the wellbeing of the two peoples, and firmly supports Honduras in safeguarding sovereignty and independence, promoting development and improving people's livelihood, so as to make the two countries good friends and partners of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and common development, Li noted.

He voiced confidence that Honduras will honor the one-China principle and give support to China on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns.

The National People's Congress of China is willing to strengthen multi-level, multi-area and multi-channel exchanges with the National Congress of Honduras, work for a sound legal environment for deepening practical cooperation and personnel exchanges, consolidate public support for friendship between the two countries, and contribute to the sound and steady development of China-Honduras relations, Li added.

The Honduran side said establishing diplomatic relations with China is the right choice made by Honduras and has won increasingly broad and solid public support. Honduras attaches great importance to developing relations with China, and stays committed to the one-China principle.

Honduras is willing to work with China to enhance political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation in economy, trade, investment and other fields, promote closer exchanges between political parties, legislative bodies, as well as local and people-to-people levels, and strive for more fruitful outcomes in sustained growth of bilateral relations, the Honduran side said.