Haiti – Diplomacy: Message from Mexico for the 95th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Haiti

As in other struggles for the independence of sister republics, Haiti was a beacon of light, illuminating our Mexican heroes with its libertarian inspiration.

Later, during the second half of the 20th century, the Mexican tradition of asylum became one of the cornerstones that forged our bilateral relationship, when we welcomed hundreds of Haitians fleeing the dictatorial regimes of François and Jean-Claude Duvalier, particularly between 1956 and 1986. Many of them contributed and continue to do so to our Nation in various fields. This vibrant Haitian community settled in Mexican territory reflects well the bonds of friendship and fraternity that unite our peoples.

More recently, in recent years, Mexico has reaffirmed its vocation of solidarity with the Haitian people, providing humanitarian aid in the face of natural disasters that have occurred in that country, such as the earthquake of 2010, the passage of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the one that hit the southern peninsula of Haiti in 2021.

Today, in the face of the most urgent challenges that Haiti faces in terms of Peace and Security, Democratic Consolidation and Sustainable Development, Mexico continues to tirelessly promote a cooperation program focused on the institutional strengthening of this sister Nation. Our country has implemented collaboration programs in the areas of security, health, the fight against cholera, agriculture and the fight against climate change, among others. It is also worth noting the constant training that we have provided to at least 762 officers belonging to the Haitian Armed Forces.

Faced with this panorama, Mexico is a proactive and constructive actor, as evidenced by the invitation that our country received to participate in the meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 11, during which a political agreement was reached between different forces. which allowed the installation of the current Presidential Transitional Council and the appointment of Garry Conille as Prime Minister. Mexico had then emphasized that a lasting and permanent solution could only come from the Haitian context and include all actors, without foreign interference and with the determined and real support of the international community.

Mexico and Haiti share a history, but also a Caribbean cultural heritage that brings us closer and that is usually manifested in traditions and artistic and cultural expressions such as music, dance and gastronomy. With the increase in contact between our peoples, we are getting closer to the future and hand in hand with more binational families.