Haiti’s Chancellor Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste attended the first Benin-CARICOM Ministerial Meeting, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between countries. He and Benin’s Foreign Minister signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding to promote political consultations and deepen collaboration in diplomacy, security, and education.
Chancellor Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of Haiti participated in the inaugural Benin-CARICOM Ministerial Meeting held in Cotonou, Benin, on January 8, 2025. The meeting, themed “Strengthening bilateral ties and promoting pan-African and Caribbean cooperation,” involved eight Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and aimed to fortify Benin’s connections with Afro-descendant nations globally while advancing CARICOM’s objectives for developing strategic partnerships among its member states.
During the event, Chancellor Jean-Baptiste engaged with Benin’s Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral relations through actionable initiatives and sustainable partnerships. The conversations emphasized mutual support within international forums, aimed at promoting the development of both nations. In a significant advancement of their relationship, the two ministers signed a renewable Memorandum of Understanding, set to span five years, which facilitates ongoing political consultations on bilateral and international matters.
In addition to political collaboration, the two leaders underscored the importance of deepening cooperation in multiple fields including diplomacy, security, education, culture, and scientific research. This partnership is envisioned as an ambitious collaboration focused on shared interests and a collective future for both countries.
The recent meeting between Haiti’s Foreign Minister and his Beninese counterpart underscores a growing trend towards enhancing diplomatic relationships between nations within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and African states. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote cooperation among nations with Afro-descendant populations and reflects Haiti’s commitment to fostering connections that may enhance socio-economic development and cultural exchange. Through formal agreements and meetings, CARICOM aims to leverage synergies among its member states and their African counterparts, striving for mutual progress in various strategic fields.
The meeting between Chancellor Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste and Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari marks a significant step in strengthening Haiti’s diplomatic relations with Benin. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding will facilitate regular dialogue and enhance cooperation in various sectors, including security, education, and culture. This partnership represents a strategic effort by both countries to work collaboratively towards shared goals and mutual benefits, further solidifying ties between the Caribbean and African nations.
Original Source: www.haitilibre.com
