China calls for more support for Honduras from UN Peacebuilding Commission

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy on Monday called on the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to provide more support for Honduras.

Under the leadership of President Iris Xiomara Castro, Honduras has adopted a series of measures in upholding the rule of law, improving livelihoods, fighting corruption and organized crime, strengthening public services, empowering women and youth, and ensuring fair elections, all of which have consolidated effectively the country's peace and stability, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

Honduras' successful practices have provided valuable experience for international efforts in peacebuilding. China appreciates such contribution, he told a PBC ambassadorial-level meeting on peacebuilding in Honduras.

China hopes the PBC will continue to leverage its own strengths to provide more support to Honduras' nation-building and sustainable development under the framework of peacebuilding, said Geng.

It is important to fully respect the sovereignty and ownership of Honduras and listen to the needs and thoughts of the Honduran government in a timely manner. It is also important to curate well-designed cooperation programs conducive to strengthening the internal drivers of development, in line with the country's priorities in the next phase and with the 2030 Agenda, he said.

The PBC should utilize its convening and coordinating power to mobilize broad-based resources from UN entities, the Peacebuilding Fund, and international financial institutions, so as to build powerful synergy for the development of Honduras, he said.

Not long ago, President Castro paid a state visit to China, which opened a new chapter of China-Honduras relations. China firmly supports Honduras in its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and independence, promote development, and improve livelihoods, he said.

"We firmly support Honduras in its own choice of a development path suited to its national conditions. We also firmly support the country's efforts for promoting socioeconomic development. China stands ready to continue deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Honduras and work with Honduras to make greater contributions to maintaining international and regional peace and security and promoting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda," said Geng.