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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today met with the President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, to discuss U.S.-Honduras cooperation on combatting drug trafficking and gang violence, strengthening democratic order and independent institutions, and encouraging greater economic opportunities abroad to deter illegal immigration, particularly by unaccompanied minors.

“A strong U.S.-Honduras alliance is key to addressing some of the most pressing security threats of our hemisphere,” said Rubio. “Working together to expand cooperation and strengthen our efforts to stop illicit human, drug and weapon trafficking is critical to both America’s security and that of Latin America.

“Given the recent wave of unaccompanied children, it should be clear to all that a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Honduras is critical to the security and future of our hemisphere. To end the hopelessness that contributes to illegal immigration, we must work together to address the crushing poverty and deadly violence that exists in Honduras, in addition to making sure the Honduran people do not mistake perceived ‘ambiguities’ in our immigration policies as incentives to risk their lives coming to the U.S. illegally,” added Rubio. “I look forward to improving U.S.-Honduras relations as we work toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.”

In addition to President Hernández, the meeting was attended by Dr. Jorge Ramon Hernandez Alcerro, Secretary and Coordinator of the Government of Honduras; Reinaldo Sanchez, Secretary to the Presidency; Arturo Corrales, Secretary of Security; Jorge Milla, Ambassador of Honduras to Washington; and Salvador Rodezno, Deputy Chief of Mission.

Photos of the meeting are available below, and can be viewed in higher quality here.