PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Colombian President Gustavo Petro Petro visited Haiti on Wednesday as part of a whirlwind tour to strengthen relations with Haiti. A country torn by violence.
He is expected to meet with officials and talk about potential joint projects focusing on sectors including agriculture, technology and economics, according to a statement from Petro’s office.
Petro arrived in the southern coastal city of Jacmel, bypassing the Haitian capital 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 at a time when the Prime Minister of Haiti and the Transitional Presidential Council continue to communicate with various countries, where Haitian police and police officers UN-backed mission led by Kenya The struggle to contain gang violence.
“At a crucial moment for Haiti’s stability, Colombia reaffirms its commitment to strengthening democracy and the development of the region,” Petro’s office said.
The Haitian government spent more than $3.8 million to repair crumbling infrastructure in Jacmel in preparation for Petro’s visit. Projects included restoring electricity, renovating the city hall, and more than doubling the length of the runway at the local airport to accommodate Colombian military aircraft.
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 have visited Haiti recently given the rise in gang violence that has prompted a growing number of leaders in the international community. Call for sending a United Nations peacekeeping mission In the Caribbean country, he pointed out that the current Kenya-led mission 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 United Nations. In addition, more than 2,200 people were reported injured and nearly 1,500 abducted, according to the United Nations.
The violence led to the displacement of more than one million people In recent years in a country where nearly two million people are on the verge of famine.
Petro was scheduled to return on Thursday to Colombia, where recent guerrilla attacks have taken place in the northeastern region of the country It left more than 80 dead Thousands were forced to flee their homes.
Petro visited Haiti just days after 17 former Colombian soldiers were charged in the trial July 2021: Assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise They appeared in court in Port-au-Prince, leading to speculation that they might be released.
but, The judge postponed the hearingA trial date has not yet been set.