A delegation led by Patrick Delatour, Minister of Culture, visited Jacmel last week, the historic city where Simon Bolivar met Alexandre Pétion, to prepare for the official visit of the Colombian Head of State in early January 2025.

During its preparatory visit, the delegation composed of Jacques Ambroise, Spokesperson for the Presidency; Ronald Blein, Advisor to the Presidency; Yves Kercaint, Consultant to the Presidency; Pierre Guiniard, Technical Director at the Ministry of the Interior and Local Authorities (MICT) and Raymond Hygien, Director General of Public Works, focused on the logistical preparations needed to welcome President Gustavo Petro. An assessment of immediate needs was carried out, including cleaning and sanitation work in the city.

Local and national authorities agree to make this meeting a memorable moment, both diplomatically and culturally, that will revitalize the image of Jacmel and revive our ambitions for sustainable development around the promotion of our Heritage.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed a keen interest in visiting Jacmel, particularly the house where the Liberator Simón Bolívar stayed during his visit to Haiti. With this gesture, he wants to pay tribute to Haiti's historical support in the struggle for independence of Latin American countries.

Let's recall that Haiti had supported the Colombian War of Independence, serving as inspiration and refuge for the liberator Simón Bolívar. Haiti had provided him with 7 ships, 4,000 rifles with bayonets, 15,000 pounds of gunpowder, 15,000 pounds of lead, flints, provisions, money and 3,500 men.

Haiti and Colombia have maintained diplomatic and friendly relations since 1820. Historical notes indicate that the border between the two nations is an international maritime border that crosses the Caribbean Sea and is defined by the Liévano-Brutus Treaty, signed on February 17, 1978.

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre