The leaders of Central America have gathered for a one-day summit in Honduras to discuss trade, crime and regional integration.
Honduran President Ricardo Maduro hosted Tuesday's meeting in the capital Tegucigalpa. The Associated Press quotes him as saying the leaders will try to encourage peace and cooperation and strengthen the region's identity.
During the summit, the leaders will talk about a proposed free trade agreement between Central America and the United States. They also plan to discuss streamlining their customs systems and joint efforts to combat crime.
The Honduran leader is also the president pro tempore of the Central American Integration System, known as SICA by its Spanish initials, which was founded in 1991 to strengthen political, economic and social unity in the region.
SICA is comprised of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
Some information for this report provided by AP.