During his stay, Petro stressed that “South-South cooperation must be one of the pillars of relations between countries such as the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Haiti.”
The Colombian dignitary highlighted the excellent quality of the ties between the two States, based on the principles of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect.
Both parties renewed their commitment to the rule of law, democracy and the promotion of human rights.
Bogotá and Port-au-Prince are committed to finding a peaceful solution to the political crisis that is shaking the Caribbean nation.
Petro advocated for ending the multidimensional crisis affecting Haiti, and considered it vital to undertake cooperation, technical and humanitarian assistance programs and projects.
The president of Colombia also apologized to the people of Haiti for the assassination of the dignitary Jovenel Moise, carried out by mercenaries from his country in 2021.
It was a macabre event, said Petro, and I am here to offer forgiveness, because Colombians with dark hearts, white skin, brown like mercenaries with interests in the US territory of Florida, decided to come to these lands to kill.
“I ask for their forgiveness because I do not want to come to these lands to relive history,” said the statesman.
Haiti played an important role in the independence process of Gran Colombia, as it hosted the liberator Simón Bolívar, in the well-known expedition of Los Cayos.
“That is why I am here, to thank them, first of all, for having helped us in our freedom,” he said.
Currently, the governments of Haiti and Colombia are coordinating efforts to combat illegal trafficking of arms and drugs, two scourges that today lacerate social structures by generating addictions and violence. Port-au-Prince and Bogota agreed to establish police patrols with the security forces of both countries to control this maritime route and put an end to this practice.
Haiti and Colombia have maintained diplomatic and friendly relations since 1820.
Historical notes indicate that the border between both nations is an international maritime limit that runs through the Caribbean Sea and is defined by the Liévano-Brutus Treaty, signed on February 17, 1978.
Haiti provided support in the Colombian War of Independence, served as inspiration and gave refuge to the Liberator Simón Bolívar.
The so-called Pearl of the Antilles provided seven ships, four thousand rifles with bayonets, 15 thousand pounds of gunpowder, 15 thousand pounds of lead, flints for rifles, provisions, cash and 3,500 men.
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