Foreign Affairs Minister Raina Forbin receives international delegation led by OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin and CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haiti welcomed a high-level international delegation on Sunday, August 16, 2026, as representatives from the Organization of American States (OAS), CARICOM, the United Nations and several regional institutions arrived for an official visit focused on the country’s situation and international cooperation.
Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs Minister Raina Forbin received the delegation alongside Defense Minister Mario Andrésol and Jacques Desrosiers, president of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).
The delegation is headed by OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin and CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett, bringing together senior officials from organizations playing important roles in regional diplomacy and Haiti’s international partnerships.
Four-Day Mission in Haiti
The delegation is scheduled to remain in Haiti from August 16 through August 19, providing several days for discussions with Haitian authorities and other stakeholders.
Representatives from major institutions within the inter-American and international system are participating in the mission.
They include officials associated with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
Representatives of the United Nations are also participating.
The broad composition of the delegation reflects the multiple challenges confronting Haiti, where security, governance, elections, economic recovery, health and institutional development remain closely interconnected.
Visit Comes at Critical Moment for Haiti
The diplomatic mission comes as Haitian authorities continue efforts to restore security and strengthen state institutions while advancing preparations for elections.
The participation of CEP President Jacques Desrosiers is particularly significant as Haiti works toward restoring elected government following years of political transition.
Defense Minister Mario Andrésol’s presence also underscores the importance of security in discussions between Haitian officials and international partners.
Armed violence and instability have disrupted communities, displaced large numbers of Haitians and complicated economic and political recovery.
Regional Cooperation in Focus
The presence of both the OAS and CARICOM leadership gives the mission considerable regional significance.
CARICOM has played an important diplomatic role in Haiti’s political crisis, while the OAS remains one of the principal regional organizations involved in discussions concerning democratic institutions, security and governance across the Americas.
Participation by development, health, agriculture and defense institutions could also broaden discussions beyond Haiti’s immediate political and security challenges.
The visit offers Haitian authorities an opportunity to present national priorities directly to international partners while exploring greater coordination in areas essential to the country’s recovery.
Haiti Seeks Coordinated International Support
The arrival of the delegation represents another stage in Haiti’s diplomatic engagement with regional and international organizations at a particularly consequential moment for the country.
During the four-day mission, attention is expected to center on how Haiti and its partners can coordinate efforts aimed at improving security, strengthening institutions and supporting a credible return to constitutional and democratic governance.
The presence of such a diverse group of organizations also highlights a growing recognition that Haiti’s crisis cannot be addressed through security measures alone. Economic development, public health, agriculture, institutional capacity and political stability will all be essential components of a sustainable recovery.
Further meetings and discussions are expected before the delegation concludes its mission on August 19.
The Haitian Tribune | Haiti News
