On Tuesday, October 22, 2024 in Washington, Jean Marc Berthier Antoine, the Minister of Defense, was welcomed at the Soldiers' House by Carlos Alvarez, President of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB), accompanied by high-ranking officials from this body of the Organization of American States (OAS).

During this meeting, the Minister of Defense expressed his deep gratitude to the IADB for its involvement in 2014 in the drafting of the White Paper, an important document on Defense for Haiti.

Download the White Paper on National Security and Defense (PDF in French 151 pages) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Livre_Blanc.pdf

He also requested the continued support of the IADB in the government's efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H).

Furthermore, it was agreed to create an ad hoc commission bringing together representatives of the Ministry of Defense, the IADB, the Inter-American Defense College, the OAS Department of Hemispheric Security, as well as OAS member and observer states. This commission will be mandated to coordinate international efforts in training, technical assistance and equipment to strengthen the capacities of the FAd’H.

During the same visit, Minister Antoine delivered a speech to the Council of Delegates of the IADB, which brings together key partners for Haiti, where he stated, "The rebuilding of a modern and competent national military force is no longer simply a choice, but a vital necessity for the survival and stability of our country."

"Our vision is that of an army resolutely oriented towards the protection of human rights and the promotion of national development. This is a forward-looking army, anchored in the values ​​of professionalism and respect [...] We are committed to training 20,000 military personnel over the next five years, at a rate of 4,000 recruits per year [...]"

The Minister of Defense reiterated the importance of the support of the international community and the IADB to ensure security in Haiti while strengthening the FAd’H.

Later in the day, Minister Antoine met at the OAS headquarters with representatives from more than fifteen countries eager to contribute to the fight against insecurity in Haiti. On this occasion, he launched an appeal for international solidarity, calling on partner nations to join the Haitian efforts.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43469-haiti-security-defense-minister-in-washington-for-high-level-meetings.html

HL/ PI/ HaitiLibre