Antonio Rodrigue, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a special meeting of the Forum of Caribbean States (CARIFORUM) in Basseterre (St. Kitts and Nevis) on March 26 and 27, 2018.

On the sidelines of this meeting, Chancellor Rodrigue had a working lunch with the Director General of International Cooperation and Development of the European Union, Stefano Manservisi. The exchanges focused on the general evolution of the situation in Haiti on the political, economic and social levels as well as on the bilateral relations between Haiti and the European Union.

Manservisi reported on progress under the new Moïse-Lafontant Government, such as state reform, construction and / or redevelopment of infrastructure, strengthening of the rule of law, while recognizing that there was still obstacles to overcome. He assured of the European Union's willingness to continue to support national efforts to improve the living conditions of the population in a sustainable manner and pave the way for Haiti's sustainable development.

The relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic have also been passed in review, insisting on the need to strengthen the dialogue between the two States, particularly through the revitalization of the Bilateral Joint Commission and to ensure peaceful coexistence between countries.

At the end of the meeting Manservisi signed a Convention for a new budget support program in Haiti, amounting 120 million Euros (± 148 million US dollars), which he handed to Chancellor Rodrigue for approval by the Haitian Executive "the consolidation of the State is at the heart of our cooperation with Haiti because there can be no effective development without efficiency, that is to say a State that is able to impulse and put strong public policies and to provide quality services to its population [...] By signing this contract Haiti and the EU are committed to public governance reforms that strengthen effective institutions and administrations, operating according to clear and transparent principles and procedures."

This new program, which will be spread over 3 years, follows the previous budget support program of 112 million euros. It will enable the State to pursue ambitious reforms in four key areas: public finances, public administration, education, reducing the country's vulnerability and improving its resilience to natural disasters.

HL/ HaitiLibre