Sunday, as part of the celebration of the 213th anniversary of Haiti's independence, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros, congratulated the Government and brotherly people of Haiti for its 213 years of Independence, "a historic event of great importance to our America by becoming the first free Nation after January 1, 1804."

"[...] Our Republican history began to be written in Haiti, becoming a beacon of Liberty for all the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. It was in Haiti that Liberator Simon Bolivar found support and support in the most difficult times for the emancipation of the 'Patria Grande'.

With eternal Commander Hugo Chavez we say : I wrote in my soul the heroism and suffering of the Haitian people with its infinite love and its great hope... by Pétion and Bolivar we must settle a historic debt to the people of Haiti."

213 years after this heroic act, President Maduro reaffirms the will of Venezuela "to continue honoring our commitment of solidarity and recognition that unites us with Haiti and its great struggles of resistance [...]

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates to the people of Haiti their determination to build a more integrated, fair and supportive Caribbean by strengthening PetroCaribe and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of our America and the Peoples Trade Treaty (ALBA -TCP) and continue on the road together for the victory and independence of our America.

Long live the people of Haiti !

Long live Pétion !"

President Nicolas Maduro

Caracas 1 January 2017

SL/ HaitiLibre