The Haitian and Dominican governments have taken a new step toward strengthening their diplomatic relations by holding a high-level meeting on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the CODEVI Industrial Park, located in the border area between the two countries.
The meeting provided an opportunity to address the main priorities of the bilateral agenda and to announce the reopening of airspace between Haiti and the Dominican Republic as of May 2026.
According to Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship (MAEC), this initiative follows up on the Joint Declaration signed on January 10, 2021, in Elías Piña.
It also reflects the desire of the Haitian government, led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, to revitalize relations with its Dominican neighbor in a spirit of dialogue, mutual respect, and reciprocal sovereignty.
At the conclusion of the discussions, the two delegations agreed on the resumption of air links between Cap-Haïtien International Airport and several Dominican airports.
This measure, long awaited for several months, aims to facilitate travel between the two nations, stimulate economic exchanges, and consolidate human and commercial ties.
The discussions also covered several sensitive issues, including border security, migration matters, and trade.
Both parties described the exchanges as frank and constructive, reaffirming their commitment to prioritizing cooperation in the face of shared challenges.
Furthermore, Haiti and the Dominican Republic acknowledged the support of the international community for stabilization efforts in Haiti.
Special mention was made of the United Nations and the Gang Repression Force (FRG), both engaged in restoring security and peace.
A renewed commitment to dialogue
At the end of the meeting, both governments agreed to keep diplomatic communication channels open. They emphasized that bilateral dialogue remains the best path to resolving matters of common interest, in compliance with international law and the principles of good neighborliness.
Two high-level delegations in attendance
The Haitian delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Raina Forbin, accompanied notably by Haiti’s Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Emmanuel Fritz Longchamp; her Chief of Staff, Winnie Hugot Gabriel; and several ministry officials.
On the Dominican side, the delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, surrounded by several senior diplomatic officials, including Deputy Ministers Rubén Silié and Francisco Caraballo, as well as the Dominican Ambassador to Haiti, Faruk Miguel.
In line with the directives of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Haiti’s head of diplomacy reaffirmed her commitment to promoting a proactive foreign policy focused on concrete results, serving national interests and the strengthening of international partnerships.
Since March 5, 2024, flights between Haiti and the Dominican Republic have been suspended — a decision that has particularly affected Cap-Haïtien Airport, located in an area relatively more stable than Port-au-Prince. This measure has deeply impacted bilateral relations and trade between the two nations.
Dominican President Luis Abinader had reaffirmed his position regarding the closure of airspace between his country and Haiti during an appearance on March 31, 2025, on the program La Semanal.
The Dominican head of state confirmed that air traffic would remain suspended, despite repeated calls for its reopening, notably from then-president of Haiti’s former transitional presidential council (CPT), Fritz Alphonse Jean.
