For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON— On Wednesday, March 22, Secretary Kelly met with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez to discuss bilateral and regional security and economic issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, President Hernandez outlined his administration’s recent successes in increasing citizen security, strengthening law enforcement institutions, and strengthening the Honduran economy. President Hernandez specifically mentioned several achievements, to include falling rates of violent crime, job creation and growth, and the extradition of criminals to the United States, and thanked Secretary Kelly for his support in reaching these goals.
Secretary Kelly highlighted the importance of joint collaboration to combat transnational crime, reduce narcotics trafficking, share information, and promote economic opportunity in the region. Both leaders emphasized the close relationship between DHS and the Government of Honduras and expressed enthusiasm for their shared partnership going forward. The Honduran delegation included the Secretary General Coordinator General of the Government, Special Envoy to the United States, and Minister of Economic Development. Key DHS officials, to include U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Thomas Homan, and U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukunft, were also present.
At the end of the meeting, President Hernandez and Secretary Kelly signed an agreement to share aviation information that will augment the Honduran Government’s ability to identify criminals and potential terrorists entering or transiting Honduras.
Secretary Kelly meets with President of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernandez to discuss bilateral and regional security and economic issues of mutual interest. (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
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