The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it would explore the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Honduras based on the principle of maintaining national interests and dignity.
The ministry made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding an article titled: “Will Taiwan Regain a Diplomatic Ally?” published in The Diplomat on Saturday.
The article said Honduras’ presidential election in November could offer Taiwan the chance to regain an ally, as multiple candidates have promoted re-establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Photo: Huang Chin-hsuan, Taipei Times
Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in March 2023 in favor of Beijing, but since switching its diplomatic recognition, its shrimp exports have fallen 67 percent, resulting in the loss of 14,000 jobs. Honduran shrimp producers have struggled to enter the Chinese market, the article said.
Former Honduran vice president Salvador Nasralla, nominee of the centrist Liberal Party, pledged to restore relations with Taiwan if elected, and the National Party’s candidate, Nasry Afura, said that Honduras was “100 times better off” when it was allied with Taipei.
Ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said the ministry follows Honduras’ presidential election closely.
The ministry always promotes diplomacy based on the principles of maintaining national dignity and interests, and would handle the issue carefully based on equality and reciprocity, he said.
Asked if the ministry has been in contact with any of Honduran presidential candidates, Hsiao said Taiwan has maintained communications with people of different fields in the country.
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