Kaine Meets With Honduran President Hernandez To Discuss Efforts To Address Root Causes Of Irregular Migration
Press Release
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, met with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez to discuss Central American efforts to address the factors driving irregular migration in the context of President Obama's $1 billion budget request for Central America. Kaine last met with President Hernandez in February 2015 during a three-day visit to Honduras focused on economic and security challenges facing the country.
President Hernandez emphasized his focus on the execution of the Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity of the Northern Triangle (AFP) -- a joint strategy designed by the Governments of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador to curb violence and promote economic growth. He stressed the importance of using best practices to build the foundation of AFP; for example, Honduran Government-U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiatives in rural areas. President Hernandez also noted the need to revitalize the private sector, including better loan options for entrepreneurs in key economic development zones.
Kaine thanked President Hernandez for his leadership on challenges facing the region. He cited increased extraditions, strategic use of a security tax, a United Nations commission to review human rights concerns, and a partnership with Transparency International as indicative of Honduran political will. Kaine highlighted the focus on public, private sector, and civil society collaboration as vital to achieving sustainable development and long-term growth, but also expressed concern about the use of the Honduran military to ensure citizen security while rebuilding the Honduran National Police.
"I believe in the tremendous potential of our hemisphere and our shared destiny," Kaine said. "While our partners across Central America do their part, the U.S. must pursue carefully considered programs and funding in cooperation with local, international, and non-governmental partners. Working together is an investment that will benefit all. "
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