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Analysts stress the need for Honduras to strengthen its relationship with Mexico, focusing on the crucial issues of drug trafficking and migration.
In a scenario of tensions and opportunities, Honduras faces the challenge of establishing a stronger relationship with Mexico , a key nation in issues of migration and drug trafficking.
Graco Pérez, a political analyst , warns that the Central American country cannot continue to be ideologically influenced by its northern neighbor, as occurred during the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
“Honduras must take a clear stance in its foreign policy, focusing on the economy, trade, and taking advantage of Mexico as a bridge to the United States market and not on ideologies like what happened during the Summit of the Americas ,” Perez argues.
It should be remembered that President Xiomara Castro did not attend the Summit of the Americas that was held in 2022 because the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela were not invited to it.
The migration challenge and organized crime
Irineo Mujica, an activist from Pueblos Sin Fronteras , warns about the complexity of the migration problem in Mexico, which is closely linked to organized crime.
“70-80% of human trafficking that crosses Mexico is facilitated by organized crime. If the new president Claudia Sheinbaum does not modify the migration strategy and keeps Francisco Garduño as the Commissioner of Migration , it is difficult to expect a change,” says Mujica.
Mujica is skeptical, but believes it is still possible for the new administration to adopt a more humane stance toward migrants.
The opportunity for women leaders
Both Honduras and Mexico now have women presidents, potentially ushering in a new era of cooperation between the two countries.
“It is encouraging to see two women in the presidency, and if the US elections also see a woman elected, it would be interesting to see how these three leaders address common issues such as migration,” says Pérez.
However, analysts agree that the key to success will depend on the clarity of Honduras’ foreign policy and its ability to engage in dialogue with Mexico.
“Honduras must focus on economic, investment and strategic issues, without losing sight of Mexico’s own national interests,” the experts conclude.
Both Perez and Mujica agree that Honduras needs a regional strategy to address the problems of drug trafficking and migration.
The new administration in Mexico, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, offers an opportunity to redefine bilateral relations.
But for this to be possible, Honduras must design a firm foreign policy, based on its own national interests and not on ideological influences, experts conclude.
