Brussels, July 18 (RHC)--The Honduran Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the Central American country was elected to hold the pro tempore presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2024.  This decision took place in the framework of the summit between the European Union (EU) and CELAC, held in Brussels, Belgium and attended by Honduran President Xiomara Castro.

Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina acknowledged the designation claiming that it demonstrates "the respect and recognition given to President Castro, her Presidency and her contacts with Latin American and Caribbean leaders."  

For her part, Xiomara Castro acknowledged that she will promote the strengthening of the organization from "its founding principles: the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean, a mechanism that transcends from discourse to action and that above all consolidates the region as a strong and dynamic bloc with respect to the rest of the world."

Speaking at the Summit on Monday, the head of state of Honduras insisted on the battle against corruption and organized crime during her year and a half of government and said that international support is important to face these challenges.

On the other hand, she said that this European Union-Celac Summit should approve a resolution demanding the end of the blockade against Cuba.  The United Nations has condemned this blockade as an arbitrary and obsolete measure that condemns to sacrifice a people who could reach a high standard of living without the limitations imposed on them.