Honduras: Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations with the EU signed in Brussels
On Monday 17 July, on the margins of the EU-CELAC Summit, the High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Honduras, Enrique Reina, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations between the EU and the Republic of Honduras.
The Memorandum lays the foundations for a bilateral political dialogue through regular consultations between Brussels and Honduras to exchange on topics and issues of mutual interest.
In this context, High Representative Josep Borrell said: "As one of the main cooperation partners of Honduras, the EU is committed to support a positive national reform agenda. We are committed to work together on strengthening governance, the rule of law, the fight against impunity and corruption, and the protection of human rights so that an inclusive and sustainable development can be achieved".
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding comes at a time when the EU and Honduras are building a substantive green transition agenda.
Honduras was the first country in Latin America to sign a Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA-FLEGT) with the EU. A Forest Partnership between the EU and Honduras is also being negotiated.
See full remarks by HR/VP Josep Borrell here:
Background
The EU and Honduras have strong cultural, political and historical ties. As illustrated by the extensive engagement on election observation and support to electoral reforms and electoral institutions, the EU has strongly supported democracy in Honduras.
Their economic relations have also been strengthened under the Association Agreement with Central America. The EU is currently the second most important export destination for Honduras and its fourth supplier.
The EU is also the second largest donor of Honduras and one of its main cooperation partners. Their joint priorities for the period 2021-2017 are focused on sustainable use of natural resources, decent employment, and good governance.