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Haiti’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, met with Dominican Ambassador Faruk Miguel Castillo on Thursday to discuss ways to improve bilateral relations and address pressing issues. The meeting, marked by a spirit of constructive dialogue, comes at a time of heightened tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The Haitian foreign ministry confirmed the meeting in a brief statement on social media, describing it as “a constructive exchange focused on shared challenges to strengthen ties between the two nations.” The post used the hashtag #dialoguebilateral, emphasizing the intent to bridge divides.
The meeting follows Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s recent call for a “fraternal dialogue” with the Dominican Republic, urging both nations to address issues such as migration, border security, and trade through respectful and cooperative discussions.
Relations between the two nations have been strained in recent months due to a series of diplomatic disputes, including the construction of an irrigation canal on the Haitian side of the Massacre River, border closures ordered by Dominican President Luis Abinader, and a crackdown on undocumented Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic.
The exchange between Jean-Baptiste and Castillo signals a potential shift toward rebuilding communication channels. The meeting also aligns with Haiti’s broader diplomatic efforts to protect the rights of its citizens abroad and to foster stability and cooperation on the island of Hispaniola.
Though the foreign ministry did not disclose specific details of the discussions, observers note that migration is likely a top priority. The Dominican Republic has implemented measures to deport thousands of undocumented Haitians weekly, a policy criticized by human rights groups for its handling of deportation processes.
Other potential areas of dialogue include border security, trade, and shared economic opportunities. Strengthening customs cooperation and curbing illicit activities, such as arms trafficking, are mutual concerns that could serve as a foundation for deeper collaboration.
Prime Minister Fils-Aimé has emphasized the need for Haiti’s diplomacy to become “more ambitious” and focused on protecting Haitians abroad. His vision of a more proactive foreign policy has framed the new foreign minister’s early steps, including this meeting with Castillo.
“Haitian diplomacy must be a tool capable of safeguarding our citizens, advancing mutual respect, and fostering constructive exchanges with our neighbors,” Fils-Aimé said during Jean-Baptiste’s swearing-in ceremony.
The push for dialogue reflects an understanding that a collaborative approach could ease tensions and promote solutions to long-standing issues. For Haiti, improving relations with the Dominican Republic is seen as key to addressing challenges that impact both nations, from migration to economic stability.
While the meeting offers a positive sign of diplomatic engagement, the path forward remains uncertain. Both governments face domestic pressures, and finding common ground on contentious issues will require sustained commitment and mutual respect.
As the Haitian foreign ministry continues its diplomatic outreach, the broader question remains whether both nations can translate dialogue into concrete actions that benefit their citizens and strengthen their relationship.
