- TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Jul 00:00

President Lai receives Haiti foreign minister

President Lai Ching-te said July 8 that Taiwan is committed to deepening cooperation with Haiti while expressing appreciation for the Caribbean ally’s staunch support of international participation by Taiwan.   Lai made the remarks while meeting with Haiti’s Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste and his delegation at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Arriving July 7, Jean-Baptiste’s five-day schedule includes meeting with counterpart Lin Chia-lung, visiting the National Palace Museum in Taipei and the Southern Taiwan Science Park in Tainan City.   According to Lai, 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the allies’ diplomatic ties. The two countries have enjoyed fruitful collaboration in areas spanning social security, education exchanges and infrastructure construction, he said, adding that Taiwan will continue to assist in improving Haiti’s medical care, food security and livelihood development through various cooperative projects.   The president thanked Jean-Baptiste and the Haitian government for recognizing Taiwan contributions to global public health and speaking in support of Taiwan on international platforms. He cited a letter sent by Jean-Baptiste to the World Health Organization’s Secretariat in May, and remarks made by Bertrand Sinal, minister of the public health and population, at the 78th World Health Assembly earlier this year.   Lai concluded by sending greetings to Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, interim Prime Minister of Haiti, and members of the Transitional Presidential Council.      In response, Jean-Baptiste reaffirmed the two countries’ strong relationship while stressing the importance of Taiwan to the Haitian people. Taiwan plays a key role in global peace and innovation, he said, committing to continued joint work to create a cooperative and sustainable future for both countries. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw