China and Honduras on Monday issued a joint statement after the meeting of the two countries' leaders.

According to the statement, both sides agreed that the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras on the basis of the one-China principle has opened a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations, which is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples.

The Honduran side firmly supports and adheres to the one-China principle, and resolutely opposes "Taiwan independence" in any form, as well as any act that goes against the principle.

Under the framework of the Belt and Road cooperation, both sides agreed to strengthen policy coordination and connectivity of development planning, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and practice the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

Both sides reached a consensus on negotiating a free trade agreement between the two countries and promoting practical cooperation in various fields, according to the statement.

Both sides are willing to take effective policy measures to promote personnel exchanges, said the statement, adding that China welcomes Honduran products to enter the Chinese market, and stands ready to provide policy support and convenience.

The Honduran side is willing to make good use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo to expand exports to China, it said, adding that the Chinese side encourages Chinese enterprises to participate in Honduras' economic development, energy, environment, infrastructure, telecommunications and other projects.

Honduras agrees with the common aspirations of all peoples, which is peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom, proposed by China, and the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Honduras supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by China, and is willing to actively participate in the three initiatives, it said.

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with visiting President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento in Beijing, China, June 12, 2023. /Xinhua)