International
United Kingdom Announces Reopening of Embassy in Haiti
- Saturday, June 23, 2012 9:01 AM
LONDON, United Kingdom (defend.ht) - The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary William Hague in a written statement to Westminister Palace announced the intention to open a British Embassy in Haiti for the first time since 1966.
The letter to Parliament was to show the government's commitment to "strengthen British diplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean," read the statement. Hague also described the role and purpose of the embassy further:
"The new British Embassy in Haiti will report to our Ambassador in the Dominican Republic. It will place us in a stronger position to support our objectives in Haiti and the region. The UK is a major contributor both to reconstruction and development in Haiti through multilateral agencies."
"We are also one of the major financial contributors to MINUSTAH, the UN peacekeeping operation. It is in Britain’s interest as a Permanent member of the UN Security Council to play a more active role in guaranteeing stability and creating the conditions for growth and prosperity."
Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, also in the capacity of Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the measure by authorities in the UK to establish a diplomatic mission in Haiti.
In a note to the press, the Prime Minister said the establishment of the UK mission followed steps of reconciliation initiated by President Michel Martelly and implemented by himself as part of the new dynamic of business diplomacy.
The Haitian government sees the opening of a UK Embassy in Haiti as an opportunity for both countries "to move closer through fruitful cooperation for the benefit of the Haitian people."
Related 09.06.2011: Haitian Art to Represent Julius Caesar at World Shakespeare Festival
Related 03.04.2011: British Royal Couple Meet 'Baby of Hope'
Source: Prime Minister of Haiti, Merco Press
