Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called on China and Honduras to start the negotiation process for a free trade agreement (FTA) at the earliest while meeting with President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento in Beijing.

Hailing the two sides' decision to establish diplomatic ties, Li said China highly appreciates the Honduran side's firm commitment to the one-China principle.

Li welcomed Honduras to become a new member of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) family, calling for efforts to promote the high-quality construction of the BRI.

The Chinese premier said China is willing to work with Honduras to promote practical cooperation, tap the trade potential of the two countries and actively carry out people-to-people exchanges for the benefit of the two peoples.

Li added that the two sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs and be good friends and partners in mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development.

Castro expressed her country's gratitude to China for the fruitful work it has done to promote cooperation between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

She said Honduras is willing to work with China to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and promote the stability of bilateral ties.