Ministers of Foreign Relations of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Miguel Vargas and Antonio Rodrigue, respectively, met on 27 April 2017 at the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Santo Domingo and agreed to restart the Bilateral Mixed Commission talks. The Bilateral Mixed Commission is where topics of cooperation, trade, investment, border security and migration are covered. The talks had been interrupted coinciding with trade violations incurred in by government officers in Haiti.
The government of Haiti now agrees to not impose obstacles to trade. The governments also confirmed the sovereign rights of each country and the principle of non-intervention.
On the agenda is a follow-up to the requests by Haitian nationals for Haitian documentation so they can complete their residency process in the Dominican Republic. As reported, an extension through June was given for the delivery of the documents. The agreement establishes a first delivery of 11,593 passports to its nationals, as well as other identity documents upon request to be provided by the new Haitian government.
Regarding trade, the ministers committed to facilitate the flow of merchandise, strengthen formal trade, while increasing obstacles to contraband and offering opportunities for border market trade.
It was agreed the Dominican Republic would contribute to the development of rice production in Haiti, provide advice on power generation, share experiences in support to medium-sized and small business and contribute to forestation on the border.
Rodrigue says that Haiti wants to sell rum, garlic, mangos, plantains, legumes and clothing in the Dominican Republic.
Speaking to the press, he minimized the departing of the 400 Minustah soldiers in Haiti. He explained over the years, the country has prepared its own National Police to enforce law and order in Haiti.
28 April 2017
