Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille met in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on September 5, 2024, to discuss the progress and challenges facing the country.
"Well, good afternoon again, everyone. It’s a great pleasure for me to be able to meet with Prime Minister Conille," said Secretary Blinken. "We had a chance to see each other in Washington a few months ago. I greatly admire the work that he’s doing and the leadership that he’s showing in a very challenging situation, but also one that I think is promising for the future of Haiti."
Blinken highlighted recent efforts such as establishing the presidential transition council and deploying the Multinational Security Support mission with approximately 380 personnel from Kenya assisting the Haitian National Police.
"Security is the foundation for everything that needs to happen going forward," Blinken stated. He emphasized that this includes preparing for elections next year, delivering services to Haitians, and fostering development.
"The United States is resolutely here in support of Haiti," Blinken added, noting contributions from other international partners. He mentioned that further discussions would take place at the UN General Assembly in New York.
Prime Minister Conille expressed gratitude towards Secretary Blinken and the American people. "Thank you so much. We’re so happy to welcome the Secretary of State here in Haiti," Conille said through an interpreter. "The task ahead is extremely complex, but we feel quite confident that if our partners bear with us, commit to working with us, we will achieve our goals."
Conille acknowledged significant progress within a short period and stressed collaboration with police forces to address security issues. He also highlighted ongoing humanitarian efforts and preparations for schools reopening in October.
"I’m very happy with the level of engagement I’m getting from other partners as well," Conille remarked. "We’re looking forward to continued discussions on how best to work together to be able to provide real solutions to Haitians that have suffered for way too long."
Secretary Blinken concluded by thanking Prime Minister Conille for his remarks.
