Taipei, June 20 (CNA) The Republic of China government will continue its strenuous efforts to re-enter the United Nations, Vice President Annette Lu said on Tuesday. During an audience with a parliamentary mission from Honduras at the Presidential Office, Lu said the ROC government greatly appreciates Honduras for its staunch and long-lasting support in UN general assemblies for Taiwan's efforts to join the UN and participate in UN activities. Lu stressed that Taiwan's UN bid will not cease and that the country will continue to need support from its diplomatic allies such as Honduras in this regard. She welcomed the visit by the Honduran lawmakers headed by Honduras Parliament Deputy Speaker Mario Ramon Lopez, saying that it helps cement the friendship between the two countries. The vice president suggested that the two countries send young men and women to each other's country to further bolster bilateral exchanges, and that Honduras should market its coffee in Taiwan so as to help revitalize the economy of the Central American country. Lu, the first popularly elected vice president in any Chinese society, showed keen interest in the high social and political status enjoyed by women in Honduras, asking Lopez whether there is any "cultural background" which can explain the phenomenon. Lopez told Lu that "the better gender" is traditionally accorded respect in Honduras, and that a recently promulgated law on equal opportunities that allows women to hold at least 30 percent of the seats in general elections will definitely further bolster the political clout of Honduran women. For his part, Lopez said Honduras' stance of supporting the ROC in the international community will remain firm and unchanged despite Beijing's constant and persistent schemes to undermine the friendship between the two countries. Lopez expressed hope that more Taiwan businesses will relocate their operations to Honduras, adding that business and investment cooperation will not only strengthen people-to-people exchanges, but will also "shorten the distance" between the two sides. (By Deborah Kuo)
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