1. A delegation of the ROK government led by Representative Suh Byung-soo visited Honduras from January 25 to 28 and attended the inauguration ceremony of new President Juan Orlando Hernandez of Honduras. The delegation also paid a courtesy call on President Orlando and met with Transition Committee Chairman Hernandez and Foreign Minister Aguero. In the meetings, the delegation relayed the ROK government’s congratulatory message and willingness to actively cooperate with the new government of Honduras.

2. On January 27, Representative Suh paid a courtesy call on President Orlando and conveyed President Park’s letter to him, in which President Park congratulated President Orlando on his inauguration and hoped to enhance cooperation between the ROK and Honduras. On January 26, Representative Suh met with Transition Committee Chairman Hernandez and discussed ways to increase bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas. Representative Suh also requested the Honduran government’s special interest and support to ensure the safety of Korean people and companies in the country.

o President Orlando stated that he had been deeply impressed by the ROK’s miraculous development and hoped to promote substantive cooperation with the ROK in a range of areas. The President also expressed his willingness to visit the ROK at the earliest possible time this year.

o Chairman Hernandez showed special interest in the ROK’s Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) in procurement, customs and taxation and hoped to expand development cooperation, including sharing Korea’s development experiences. The Chairman especially expressed interest in the Saemaul Undong (new community movement), saying that it would be very helpful in pursuing the new Honduran government’s “Vida Mejor (better life)” project.

- Furthermore, he promised to exert best efforts to ensure the safety of Korean people and companies in Honduras and improve the business environment for them. 

    
     Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

*unofficial translation