Colombian leaders have opened a new embassy in Haiti, but the discussions focus on safety and the fight against drug trafficking.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro traveled to Haiti this year on a major support show.
Peter’s visit, which began Friday, focuses on discussions on security, commercial, education, agriculture and the fight against drug trafficking, the Colombian government said.
Peter has announced the opening of the Colombian Embassy in the capital of Port-au-Prince.
He also pledged to help Haiti enhance its safety and offer to train Haitian officers. The Haitian delegation visited Colombia’s state arms manufacturer to learn about its defensive capabilities.
The Colombian government shared a short clip of Peter speaking at the new embassy. “It’s time to really unite.”
Por Fin, Tenemos Embajada enhaití.
¿ Independence is the place to be a part of the city’s independence?
¿ Serrei Porque Nuestra Libertad SalióFuede Los of esclavos negros que se liberaron asímismos? pic.twitter.com/tpdpmbptcz
– Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) July 19, 2025
Translation: Finally, there is an embassy in Haiti. Which forces in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were preventing the establishment of embassies in the country where our independence was born? Is it because our freedom came from the black slaves who freed themselves?
Peter landed in Port-au-Prince, where 90% of the capital is under gang control. He accompanied officials, including Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez.
During his visit, Peter met with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Phils Am and his transitional presidential council.
Authorities arrived less than a week after Haitian authorities killed four drug traffickers and confiscated more than 1,000 kg (2,300 pounds) of cocaine off the country’s north coast.
The attack was unexpectedly significant for Haitian national police. This remains understaffed and underfunded as it works with the Kenyan police, which leads a UN-backed mission to quell gang violence.
Most of the violence is concentrated in Port-au-Prince, but gangs have destroyed and seized more and more towns in Haiti’s central region.
According to a recent UN report, at least 4,864 people have been killed in Haiti from October to the end of June, and hundreds of others have been lured, raped and trafficked.
Gang violence has driven out 1.3 million people in recent years.
Peter previously visited Haiti in late January. Prior to the visit, Haitian officials more than doubled the runway at the Jacmel airport, renovated the town and restored electricity to a population living in the dark for at least three years.
The two countries are further strengthening their relationship as Haitian judges continue to question the 17 former Colombian soldiers accused of the murder of President Jobel Moise in July 2021.
