Port-au-Prince, Haiti –Kenneth Merten, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. State Department, visited Port-Au-Prince, Haiti December 6-8. Ambassador Merten’s visit underscored the long-standing U.S.-Haiti partnership, as well as the U.S. commitment to supporting the democratic process and strengthening the rule of law to ensure political and economic stability in Haiti.
While in Port-Au-Prince, Ambassador Merten met with President Jovenel Moïse, Prime Minister Jean Henry Céant, and Foreign Minister Bocchit Edmond to discuss areas of U.S.-Haiti cooperation and regional issues. Ambassador Merten also met with Senate President Joseph Lambert, Chamber of Deputies President Gary Bodeau, and Haitian parliamentarians, to encourage Haiti’s political parties and leaders to work together to advance the interests and aspirations of the Haitian people.
In addition, Ambassador Merten discussed efforts to reinforce security, strengthen the rule of law, and promote human rights with MINUJUSTH and the Core Group. His visit also included meetings with members of the business community to highlight priorities targeted at sustainable, long-term economic development, self-reliance, and increased domestic resource mobilization. Continue reading