TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two members of the US House of Representatives on Feb. 26 sent a letter to Honduran President Nasry Asfura calling on him to restore diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The letter, signed by Representatives Tom Tiffany and Andy Ogles, congratulated Asfura on his election win, calling it great news for Honduras, Latin America, and the Western Hemisphere. They said Honduran voters rejected the policies of former President Xiomara Castro, including her “misguided decision” to sever 80 years of ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing.

The lawmakers said they were also encouraged by Asfura’s campaign pledge to strengthen Honduras’ economic and diplomatic ties with the US, Israel, and Taiwan. They said, “We strongly support your expressed desire to resume diplomatic ties with Taipei as part of that effort.”

They said they shared Asfura’s view that Honduras and the broader region are “100 times better off with Taiwan” than with China. The lawmakers said they look forward to his formal announcement of the diplomatic change and welcomed the opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation with Tegucigalpa.

On Feb. 7, Asfura met with President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where the two leaders discussed security, investment, and trade. Following the meeting, Asfura said he is reassessing Honduras’ diplomatic direction and considering transferring recognition from Beijing back to Taipei.