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Cali, Colombia – Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with Haitian transitional council leader Leslie Voltaire on the sidelines of COP16, the United Nations biodiversity conference, to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation. Petro emphasized Haiti’s historic role in aiding Colombia’s independence, describing Haiti as a “libertarian republic” that helped shape Colombia’s path to sovereignty. The discussions between the two leaders touched on future collaborations focused on strengthening Haitian police forces, promoting youth education and training, and fostering trade development between the two nations.
The meeting marks an effort to expand ties between Colombia and Haiti, grounded in historical connections and shared goals for regional security and stability. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of addressing shared challenges, particularly in curbing drug trafficking routes from Colombia’s La Guajira region to the Caribbean, which impacts both nations’ security environments. Petro and Voltaire also discussed the role of enhanced police training in Haiti to stabilize the country and support local and international anti-trafficking measures.
Voltaire described the dialogue as constructive, highlighting the potential for cooperation between Colombia and Haiti. The Haitian leader stressed the importance of strengthening Haiti’s economic and security frameworks, which are integral to sustainable development in the region. This cooperation could involve a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting Haiti’s internal stability and broader Caribbean security.
The bilateral meeting occurred during COP16, where Petro also met with other international figures, including Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and Italian economist Mariana Mazzucato, who advised on environmental and economic strategies for a fair transition in the Amazon. COP16 has drawn attention from global leaders and environmental ministers, emphasizing collective action on biodiversity and sustainable resource management.
