US President Trump Hosts Honduran President Asfura at Mar-a-Lago

US President Meets with Newly Inaugurated Honduran Leader

In a meeting held at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, US President Donald Trump met with Honduran President Nasry Asfura on Saturday. The two leaders discussed strengthening their countries’ security ties and cooperation against organized crime.

Asfura took office last week after winning a narrow election victory. According to Trump, the two share common values. During his campaign, Trump had expressed support for Asfura, stating that he would cut off aid to Honduras if Asfura lost. After Asfura’s win, Trump praised their growing alliance.

The meeting focused on countering cartels and drug traffickers, as well as deporting illegal migrants and gang members from the US. Asfura is expected to brief Honduran media about the discussion on Sunday.

This meeting comes after a recent visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which the two countries announced plans for a free trade deal. Asfura’s rise to power adds another conservative ally in Latin America, following recent electoral shifts in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina.

Prior to the election, Trump pardoned Honduras’ former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was serving a 45-year prison sentence in the US for drug trafficking. The pardon was seen as a gesture of support for Asfura’s party.

Source: Al Jazeera