Lavrov, Honduras FM to discuss prospects for political dialogue

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov on Monday meets with his Honduran counterpart, Mireya Aguero, who is currently in Moscow on an official visit, the first one in the history of bilateral relations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said, "The two Ministers will discuss prospects for the development of political dialogue, wider cooperation in various fields, the strengthening of the legal-treaty basis of bilateral relations, and matters of current importance that are on the international agenda. As a result of the talks, Lavrov and Aguero will sign a Joint Statement". "To broaden the legal-treaty basis of bilateral relations is one of major aspects of our joint work with the Honduran side," Lukashevich emphasized. He recalled that in September 2005 the Foreign ministers of Russia and Honduras had signed a Declaration on the Basic Principles for Relations Between the Two Countries. Work is now under way to fix a Treaty on Basic Principleso for Relations between the Russian Federation and Honduras. The diplomat said, "During the visit, special attention will be devoted to matters aimed at giving greater scope to bilateral trade-and-economic contacts". According to to the RF Federal Customs Service data given by Lukashevich, "Russia-Honduras foreign-trade turnover ran at $51.6 million in 2012 and amounted to $43.2 million in the first half of this year. Mineral fertilizers account for over 80 percent of Russia's export while food products, mainly coffee, melons, and textile products account for 95 percent of import." "We attach much importance to stepping up contacts through institutions of higher learning of Russia and Honduras and come out in favour of resuming cooperation in the training of Honduran students and post-graduates," the high-ranking diplomat pointed out. On Monday, Mireya Aguero will attend a ceremony to open a Honduran Embassy in Moscow. "Thereby, all Central American countries will have their permanent diplomatic missions in Moscow," Lukashevich stressed.