A short but highly symbolic visit, according to the Haitian presidency.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro set foot on Haitian soil this Friday, July 18, for the second time in six months, reaffirming Colombia's commitment to supporting Haiti through strengthened cooperation in four key areas: defense, training, agriculture, and health.
In an interview with Le Nouvelliste on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Fritz Alphonse Jean, President of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), reviewed the discussions held during the Haiti-Colombia bilateral meeting at the Villa d'Accueil on Friday, July 18.
Although no official agreement was signed, the discussions paved the way for a lasting collaboration. This bilateral meeting allowed efforts to focus on the areas where Haiti needs assistance most. "Defense and health are priorities," as the country seeks to strengthen its institutions while combating a persistent security crisis.
"Brazil and Colombia have important training institutions. We are also considering establishing training cooperation with Colombia," he said, recalling that recently, we have lost many professionals in all fields.
Fritz Jean explained why the Colombian president's official visit was shorter than planned. "In the initial planning of his visit, President Petro was scheduled to spend the night in Port-au-Prince. There have been some changes since this Sunday is Colombia's national holiday. The President was very keen for him to be present for the reopening of their embassy in our capital. Moreover, President Petro gave a long speech on the historical ties between Haiti and Colombia, emphasizing the importance of our country in the struggles for independence in Latin America," said Fritz Alphonse Jean.
"The visit was cut short because the cabinet meeting lasted longer than expected. We were pressed for time. We were unable to hold the joint press briefing as planned because President Petro wanted to hold the embassy opening ceremony and then return to the airport," insisted Fritz Alphonse Jean.
As if to remind us that culture and politics are linked, a dance performance was planned at the Karibe Hotel in honor of the Colombian president. According to the CPT president, it is important to note that it was Petro himself who requested this event, as he believes in the cultural proximity between the two peoples. Although he was ultimately unable to attend, "this initiative demonstrates his interest in the Afro-Caribbean richness and the roots that the two countries share," Fritz Jean maintained, emphasizing that President Petro has extensive knowledge of Afro-Caribbean culture.
In a press release this Saturday, the Presidential Transitional Council indicated that the binational council of ministers was primarily focused on security issues. "During this meeting, Haitian and Colombian authorities discussed ways to strengthen their cooperation in the security sector. They notably discussed the fight against transnational crime, as well as joint strategies aimed at promoting stabilization and security in the region," the note reads.
Regarding the ceremony marking the official opening of the Colombian Embassy in Haiti, Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste welcomed the development of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"This development reflects a shared desire to deepen bilateral relations and open new perspectives for cooperation between Haiti and Colombia, in a spirit of mutual respect, solidarity, and enhanced collaboration," the minister stated, according to a CPT note.
According to the presidency, President Gustavo Petro emphasized the importance of this diplomatic initiative, which is a symbol of a shared commitment. "The opening of this embassy demonstrates our sincere desire to intensify exchanges, strengthen cooperation, and work hand in hand with Haiti to advance common projects for the benefit of our two peoples," the Colombian president stated.
Although there was no statement to the Haitian press, the Colombian presidency commented on X after President Petro's visit. "During his visit to Haiti, President Gustavo Petro held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Transitional Presidential Council, Fritz Alphonse Jean. The meeting addressed key progress in bilateral projects: the fight against drug trafficking, trade, education, and security," reads the message, which was republished by President Petro.
"A new chapter of cooperation and unity between Colombia and Haiti begins! President Gustavo Petro officially inaugurated the Colombian Embassy in Haiti," reads a second post.
