Haiti / Diplomacy: Towards the Organization of a National Council of Ambassadors

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, presented the main orientations of Haitian diplomacy during the “Mardis de la Nation” (Tuesdays of the Nation). He announced the upcoming holding of a National Council of Ambassadors to redefine diplomatic priorities. The “Diplomacy 2025–2050” project and the training of 82 new executives at the Jean Price-Mars Diplomatic Academy were highlighted. Finally, a MAEC office will soon open in Cap-Haïtien to bring consular services closer to citizens.

Although criticized for his silent diplomacy, Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste held his first press conference eleven months after taking office. The Chancellor detailed five strategic axes during his address at the Primature on October 7, 2025: improving the living conditions of Haitians living abroad, promoting a positive image of the country, safeguarding national sovereignty, defending fundamental and universal values, and promoting local products in international markets. These axes would be part of the overall policy of the Transitional Presidential Council aimed at modernizing and strengthening national diplomacy.

The “Diplomacy 2025–2050” project forms the framework for these initiatives. Within this framework, the ministry launched the fifth cohort of the Master II in Diplomacy and International Cooperation at the Jean Price-Mars Diplomatic Academy, in partnership with the National Institute of Administration, Management, and International Higher Studies (INAGHEI). In total, 82 candidates were selected to train in modern diplomatic techniques and international cooperation, thereby strengthening the professionalism of the Haitian diplomatic corps.

Furthermore, the Minister announced the opening of a new MAEC office in Cap-Haïtien, which will facilitate the legalization of official documents and bring consular services closer to citizens. This initiative reflects the government's desire to make diplomacy more accessible and to meet the needs of the diaspora and local economic actors.

Finally, Mr. Jean-Baptiste confirmed that a National Conference of Ambassadors will soon be organized, at the request of the President of the Transitional Presidential Council. This meeting will aim to define the strategic orientations of Haitian diplomacy and to harmonize the actions of missions abroad with government policies. The Minister concluded by reaffirming that the re-establishment of security throughout the national territory remains an essential condition for the country's influence and stability.

What can Haiti achieve without strong diplomacy? This question remains important at a time when the country needs help from the international community. The challenges: security, elections, humanitarian aid, among others, are all demanded by the situation. Moreover, Haitians are being deported from the Dominican Republic, the United States, and even from Caribbean islands.