Text and photos: Juan David Latorre.
Yesterday, Thursday, led by Ambassador Marlon Brevé, the Honduran Embassy held a reception at Casa América to commemorate the 204th anniversary of the Central American country’s independence.
Susana Sumelzo, Secretary of State for the Americas and the Caribbean, spoke first. She emphasized that “the relationship between Spain and Honduras is based on a historical, cultural, and human brotherhood. We share a language, a culture, and today we are fortunate to enjoy the music here. It’s wonderful that you’re planning these events this way, Ambassador. But we also have many challenges and objectives ahead of us.”
“We must work in Central America to consolidate democracy,” Susana Sumelzo continued, “to strengthen our institutions, commit to sustainable development, and the desire, which I believe is shared by all Central American countries, to place Central America in the place it deserves. For Spain, Central America is a priority. For decades, we have supported its efforts for peace, integration, and prosperity, and Honduras plays a key role in this process.”
“And on the bilateral level, Spain and Honduras are going through an excellent moment in bilateral relations. The Honduran community, which I also want to congratulate from here, is hardworking, active, and a true human bridge that enriches Spanish society every day. At the same time, there are also representatives of Spanish companies here. Many of these companies present in Honduras contribute to the country’s economic and social development with projects in strategic sectors that generate employment and opportunities, but also generate opportunities for development for many people who work there and who also hold a commitment to permanence and corporate responsibility,” the Secretary of State emphasized.
“You will soon have elections in your country. Spain hopes that these elections, to be held on November 30, will be held in a climate of peace, transparency, and respect for current institutions. This European Union’s observation, which Spain definitively supports, as the Honduran government has also requested, will undoubtedly serve to provide the greatest possible guarantees for this process,” she continued.
Susana Sumelzo concluded by emphasizing that “Honduras is an essential part of our community, with its mixed identity and universal vocation, and has given the world authors of the stature of Augusto Monterroso, Clementina Suárez, and our contemporary Rolando Catal. They are the best example of this fusion, with their universal vocation and their vision for the future. And with that focus on the future, I want to remind you that at next year’s Ibero-American summit in Madrid, we hope the heads of state and government will join us.”
The Honduran ambassador, Marlon Brevé, then took the stage, stating that “the celebration of the 204th anniversary of the independence of our homeland, Honduras, is a historic event that unites us with our sister countries in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. We are gathered in Madrid, a city that symbolizes the history and influence of Ibero-America, to commemorate this date that fills Hondurans with pride, but also commits us to look forward with hope and responsibility. Honduras and Spain are experiencing a moment of strength and mutual trust today.”
“This is a historic friendship,” the ambassador continued, “which was reaffirmed in Seville at the United Nations Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, when Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Honduran President Xiomara Castro Sarmiento witnessed the signing of the Sustainable Development Partnership Framework 2025-2029. This new framework is evidence of Spain’s confidence in the direction Honduras has taken and a shared commitment to sustainable development and social justice.”
In addition to the agreement on the recognition and exchange of driving licenses between Honduras and Spain, which came into force in November 2024, Marlon Brevé noted that “our nations have also signed relevant agreements, such as the Open Skies Air Transport Agreement, the Memorandum for the Promotion of Spanish in the World, the agreement between the Economic and Social Councils, the continuity of the GECO Seasonal Workers Project in Andalusia, and the EREGAS programs promoted together with the Carolina Foundation and various public and private universities. In the artistic and cultural field, the Embassy of Honduras has promoted and supported the holding of events in different cities, including concerts, fairs, exhibitions, and other events.
Honduran artists have performed in such iconic venues as the Casa de América, the Museum of the Americas, the Ateneo de Madrid, the International Book Fair in Retiro Park, as well as presentations in Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Girona, and Bilbao. These activities have allowed us to showcase national talent and demonstrate that our bilateral relationship is expressed through creativity and shared identity.”
“At the multilateral level,” the ambassador continued, “we have also made progress in Spain. The tourism investment guide for Honduras was recently presented with the support of UN Tourism and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAR), reaffirming that our country is a land of opportunity. Likewise, we are working hard to ensure that Ibero-American agreements, such as those on social security and talent mobility, benefit our compatriots and strengthen ties with the region.”
“On behalf of the people and government of Honduras, I would like to thank Spain for its generous commitment to supporting our national efforts.” Since 2022, under the leadership of President Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, the first woman in the history of Honduras to assume the position of Head of State, a path of refoundation has begun. This is about building a more just, inclusive, and supportive homeland that embraces the comprehensive development of its society as the central objective of public action. Spain’s support for this process is proof that we share values and believe in the power of multilateralism, respect for international law, and cooperation as instruments for a common future. This anniversary invites us to reflect on our role in the world. Honduras is a country committed to peace and free and transparent elections. Therefore, from this platform, I also want to send a message of solidarity and humanity to all those who today suffer the consequences of war and conflict, to those who endure violence in different regions of the planet. Our voice joins the chorus of nations that believe in dialogue, respect for international law, and human dignity as unwavering principles.
