January 8, 2025
Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, departed Port-au-Prince on Sunday, January 5, 2025, for Cotonou, Benin, in response to an official invitation from his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari. This visit marks Haiti’s participation in the first Benin-CARICOM Ministerial Meeting, an event aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and promoting Pan-African and Caribbean cooperation. Under the theme “Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Promoting Pan-African and Caribbean Cooperation,” the meeting represents a significant step in consolidating strategic partnerships between Afro-descendant nations and CARICOM member states.
The Haitian delegation, led by Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, will also participate in the Vodun Days, an annual celebration of Benin’s culture, beliefs, and indigenous traditions. This cultural event provides Haiti with a unique opportunity to deepen its cultural and historical ties with Benin while highlighting the shared heritage of both nations. The participation aligns with CARICOM’s efforts to promote regional integration and international dialogue.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Haitian minister plans to sign a memorandum of understanding and a joint declaration with his Beninese counterpart. These agreements aim to revitalize bilateral relations, focusing on key areas such as economic, cultural, and security cooperation. This initiative is part of Haiti’s broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships and strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa.
This diplomatic mission takes place against the backdrop of Haiti’s ongoing political and security crisis, as the country seeks to bolster its regional and international alliances. Haiti’s active participation in this meeting reflects its commitment to playing a key role in promoting Pan-African and Caribbean cooperation while solidifying its position within CARICOM. The initiative aligns with the strategic goals of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), led by Leslie Voltaire, and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who aim to reinvigorate Haitian diplomacy.
In summary, the Benin-CARICOM Ministerial Meeting represents a major opportunity for Haiti to strengthen its ties with Benin and contribute to the development of a strategic partnership between Afro-descendant and Caribbean nations. It also demonstrates Haiti’s determination to actively engage in regional and international initiatives that promote sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.