Honduras' inaugural ambassador to China has said that establishing diplomatic relations with China last year is a "historical trend," highlighting trade and infrastructure as key areas for bilateral cooperation. Last year, the Central American nation established diplomatic relations with China by ending its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan that had been in place since 1941. Honduras' decision is not unique, given the precedent set by other Latin American nations, but it is the latest example of a trend of more countries severing relations with Taiwan in favor of China. "Many countries around the world are establishing diplomatic relations with China, and this is a historical trend," Salvador Moncada said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on Monday at the Honduran Embassy in Seoul during his unofficial visit. "For Honduras, it is beneficial to join this trend because we want to maintain relations with all countries globally." The 79-year-old Honduran scientist emphasized the importance of trade and infrastructure for national development, noting that the increase in trade is the most significant change following the establishment of diplomatic relations with China. According to data from China's customs office, the total trade volume between the two countries reached US$1.91 billion last year, up 21.1 percent from a year earlier. Moncada said he expects the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between Honduras and China, which began last July, to yield tangible results by the end of this summer, signaling rapid progress in economic cooperation between the two nations. "So, instead of being confined, we aim to establish a broader set of relationships worldwide," he said, adding that the decision is positive not only for commerce and exchanges but also for culture, scientific development, technology and more. Regarding the possibility of Honduras establishing diplomatic relations with North Korea, Moncada said, "It is one of the things that we will surely discuss in the near future." The caree r scientist, who also holds British citizenship, is renowned for his significant contributions to cardiac treatments developed in laboratories in London. He was appointed as the top envoy to China by Honduran President Xiomara Castro last October. Source: Yonhap News Agency