PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited Haiti on Wednesday as part of a whirlwind trip to strengthen ties with the oppressed country.
He was expected to meet with officials and discuss possible joint projects targeting sectors including agriculture, technology and the economy, according to a statement from Petro's office.
Petro arrived in the southern coastal city of Jacmel, passing the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, whose main international airport has remained empty of commercial air traffic since then. gangs opened fire on several airlines in November.
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His visit comes as Haiti's Prime Minister and interim presidential council continue to reach out to various countries as Haitian police officers and a UN-backed mission led by Kenya struggle to contain gang violence.
“In a critical moment for the stability of Haiti, Colombia reaffirms its commitment to the strengthening of democracy and the development of the region,” Petro's office said.
Before arriving in Haiti, Petro met with officials in the neighboring Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
Petro is one of the few heads of state to visit Haiti recently, which has brought an increase in gang violence that has inspired a growing number of leaders in the international community. call for a UN peacekeeping mission in the Caribbean country, noting that the mission currently led by Kenya lacks funds and personnel.
More than 5,600 people were killed in Haiti last yearan increase of more than 20% compared to 2023, according to the UN In addition, it was reported that more than 2,200 people were injured and almost 1,500 kidnapped, he said.
The violence has displaced more than a million people a few years ago in a country where nearly 2 million people are close to starvation.
Petro had planned to return on Thursday to Colombia, where a guerrilla attack recently took place in the country's northeastern region. left more than 80 people dead and caused thousands to flee their homes.
Petro visited Haiti just days after 17 Colombian veterans were charged in the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse appeared in court in Port-au-Prince, leading to speculation that they could be released.
But, a judge canceled their hearingno trial date set yet.
