Colombian President Petro Visits Haiti Again to Support Security, Diplomacy

Colombian President Gustavo Petro made his second visit to Haiti in 2025, emphasizing Colombia's commitment to supporting Haiti's peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts amid the Caribbean nation's ongoing political, social, and security crises. Petro's visit coincided with the opening of Colombia's new embassy in Port-au-Prince and included meetings with Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council and senior officials to discuss bilateral cooperation on security, development, migration, and drug trafficking. Despite Haiti's instability, including gang control over much of its capital and the ongoing trial of 17 Colombian mercenaries accused in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, Petro pledged assistance such as training Haitian officers and strengthening institutional support. His visit also highlighted the historical ties between Haiti and Colombia, with Petro noting Haiti's critical role in Colombia's independence and expressing a desire to contribute to regional pacification. However, Petro faces criticism at home for focusing on foreign peace efforts while Colombia continues to struggle with internal conflict and political polarization. The diplomatic engagement reflects Petro's broader strategy to deepen regional cooperation despite challenges in relations with the United States under President Trump.