Friday, the President Michel Martelly, received at the National Palace, the European deputy ecologist, Ms. Isabelle Durant, Vice-President of the European Parliament. This meeting, that confirmed once again the commitment of the European Parliament for the development of Haiti, is following the visit of the Head of State in Strasbourg (France) in November 2012.

The Head of State thanked the European Union (EU), for the support provided to Haiti in the political field and the development assistance. The President Martelly mentioned the economic situation of the country, worsened significantly following the passage of Isaac and Sandy, who have caused very serious damage, especially in the agricultural sector.

On the other hand, the President affirmed that the executive maintained a constant dialogue with the Parliament about the formation of the Electoral Council and the organization of the forthcoming parliamentary and local elections, that the EU is committed support to the tune of 5 million euros. In addition, he spoke of his administration's efforts to move forward the institutional reforms, the social right, the economic partnership agreements and the development assistance.

The President presented his thanks in advance despite the global economic situation, hoping that the EU will maintains its annual forecast for the period 2014-2020. "The Haitian people through my voice, thank you Madam the deputyfor this mark of solidarity. Haiti must not remain forever a country eternally assisted, nor an economic burden for its partners."

For her part, the Vice-President of the European Parliament, stressed the EU support to Haiti, concerning the allocation of EU aid, of the reconstruction assistance and the support to democracy and reiterated the commitment of the EU to remain with Haiti to accompany it on the path of development.

The Head of State is committed to seeking opportunities in terms of investment for the reconstruction of Haiti, in the production of goods and services in commercial exchanges and direct investment.

HL/ HaitiLibre