Rep. María Elvira Salazar underscores US-Honduras relations and diplomacy at Vatican meetings
Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Florida's 27th district, highlighted recent diplomatic and economic engagements involving the United States in Latin America through a series of posts on May 7, 2026.
In her first post, Salazar praised ongoing efforts to bolster economic cooperation between the U.S. and Honduras: "Great to see EXIM President @JJovanovicUSA and Honduran President @TitoAsfuraPHN strengthening U.S.-Honduras economic ties and securing critical supply chains across Central America. This is how America leads in our hemisphere: stronger trade, stronger allies, and less https://t.co/854xBeB7MB" (May 7, 2026).
She continued in Spanish by emphasizing the geopolitical stakes of U.S. engagement in Latin America: "Estados Unidos no puede dejarle América Latina a China. Por eso es importante ver al presidente de EXIM @JJovanovicUSA y al presidente de Honduras @TitoAsfuraPHN fortaleciendo los lazos económicos en nuestra región y asegurando cadenas de suministro estratégicas en" (May 7, 2026).
Later that day, Salazar commented on an international meeting at the Vatican: "A powerful moment on the world stage. Secretary of @SecRubio meeting with @Pontifex at the Vatican sends a message far beyond diplomacy. At a time of deep global uncertainty, conversations rooted in faith, peace, and human dignity carry enormous weight. The United States https://t.co/50l8Cdqkda" (May 7, 2026).
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), led by its president referenced as @JJovanovicUSA in Salazar’s tweets, plays a key role in supporting American exports abroad and has sought to deepen partnerships with Central American nations like Honduras to counterbalance growing Chinese influence in the region.
These statements come amid broader concerns about China's expanding presence in Latin America—a trend that has prompted increased attention from U.S. policymakers seeking to reinforce alliances and safeguard strategic supply chains throughout Central America.