U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio met with Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández Wednesday during his visit to Washington D.C. for a series of meetings with lawmakers on trade, foreign affairs and small businesses.
Rubio and Hernández discussed U.S.-Honduras cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and gang violence, as well as strengthening democratic order and independent institutions. The leaders also focused on encouraging greater economic opportunities to deter illegal immigration, particularly by unaccompanied minors.
“A strong U.S.-Honduras alliance is key to addressing some of the most pressing security threats of our hemisphere,” Rubio said in a statement. “Working together to expand cooperation and strengthen our efforts to stop illicit human, drug and weapon trafficking is critical to both America’s security and that of Latin America.”
Rubio added that he seeks to “end the hopelessness,” address poverty, violence and make sure the Honduran people do not “mistake perceived ‘ambiguities’ in immigration policies” as an incentive to come to the U.S. illegally.
“I look forward to improving U.S.-Honduras relations as we work toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region,” he said.
The Hernández meeting was also attended by Dr. Jorge Ramon Hernandez Alcerro, Secretary and Coordinator of the Government of Honduras; Reinaldo Sanchez, Secretary to the Presidency; Arturo Corrales, Secretary of Security; Jorge Milla, Ambassador of Honduras to Washington; and Salvador Rodezno, Deputy Chief of Mission.
Photos are courtesy of Rubio’s Senate office:
