Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Ma Ying-jeou met on the evening of May 19 with a delegation from Honduras that came to congratulate him as he prepared to begin a second term in office. Leading the delegation was Vice President Maria Antonieta Guillen de Bogran, who was designated by Honduran President Porfirio Lobo Sosa as his envoy to the inauguration proceedings. The delegation was in Taiwan to take part in the inauguration ceremonies for the 13th-term president and vice president of the ROC. Also attending the meeting were Vice President-elect Wu Den-yih and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Simon Shen-Yeaw Ko (柯森耀).

The president noted that Minister Bogran had led a delegation to Taiwan in October of last year to attend festivities here marking the ROC's centenary, and was again representing Honduran president Porfirio Lobo Sosa on this occasion, which symbolized the close and stable alliance between the two countries.

President Ma stated that since taking office, President Lobo has led the Honduran government and people in striving to achieve national development and helping to enhance his nation's international status. The achievements on both fronts are apparent for all to see, said President Ma, who expressed great admiration for President Lobo. The president added that Minister Bogran is responsible for coordination among various ministries and engages in diplomatic negotiations. She has been involved in negotiations at the International Monetary Fund and other international financial organizations, and provides considerable assistance to President Lobo through her work.

The president remarked that Honduras is an important friend and ally of the ROC, and that the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for over 70 years. The relationship between the two sides continues to move forward, he added. Honduras has spoken on behalf of the ROC at many international venues, and this is something that the people of Taiwan will never forget. President Ma extended a cordial welcome and thanked the delegation on behalf of the government and people of the ROC for travelling a considerable distance to attend the inauguration ceremonies.

In addition to First Presidential Designate and Minister of the Presidency Bogran and her husband, others in the delegation included Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Honduras Mireya Aguero de Corrales, Labor and Social Security Minister Felicito Avila Ordonez, and Justice and Human Rights Minister Ana Alejandrina Pineda Hernandez.