Haiti – Diplomacy : Significant progress in the modernization and reform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Haiti – Diplomacy : Significant progress in the modernization and reform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
16/08/2026 09:52:50
Raina Forbin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a press conference dedicated to reviewing her first five months in office and the main reforms undertaken within the Ministry, including the implementation of four digital platforms aimed at strengthening the Ministry’s transparency and efficiency.
The Minister presented the significant progress made on key diplomatic priorities. She highlighted, in particular, the strengthening of international cooperation in security and defense, the mobilization of the diplomatic network in support of the electoral process and economic recovery, and the reinforcement of consular protection and assistance for Haitian nationals abroad.
Raina Forbin emphasized the modernization, professionalization, and streamlining of the Ministry’s management. The resizing of the external network and the reduction of certain operating expenses, particularly the payroll of the 57 diplomatic missions and consular posts, have resulted in savings of approximately one million US dollars per month, or more than 100 million gourdes. A pool of diplomatic and consular administrators has also been established to strengthen the capacity of the external network.
This reform momentum has also led to the adoption by the Council of Ministers of two new decrees. One decree concerns the organization and operation of the Ministry and elevates the Jean Price-Mars Diplomatic Academy to the status of Directorate General, while the other modernizes the framework governing diplomatic and official passports.
Furthermore, the Ministry presented four new digital tools designed to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and improve consular services offered to Haitian citizens :
– a platform dedicated to Haitian students and scholarship recipients abroad and to promoting their skills;
– A platform to support Haitian nationals in the United States;
– a registration platform for religious institutions and their leaders;
– and finally, “CONSUL PLUS,” a system designed to modernize the management of diplomatic missions and consular posts, as well as the services offered to users.
The Minister also presented the standardization of all websites for diplomatic missions and consular posts.
On the diplomatic front, the Minister reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening and diversifying Haiti’s bilateral and multilateral partnerships, continuing to revitalize relations with the Dominican Republic, strengthening dialogue with religious leaders, and expanding the diplomatic network through the appointment of non-resident ambassadors and honorary consuls. She pledged to further mobilize the diplomatic network in the search for concrete economic, commercial, and academic opportunities for the benefit of Haiti, particularly for young people and women.
She also addressed the issue of rehabilitating and improving the infrastructure of diplomatic missions and consular posts, such as the Consulate General of Haiti in Miami, to enhance working conditions for staff and the quality of services offered to Haitian citizens.
On migration issues, the Minister assured that the Government remains deeply concerned about the situation of affected citizens and is continuing, through appropriate diplomatic channels, dialogue and advocacy with the relevant authorities on behalf of Haitian nationals. Embassies and consular posts remain fully mobilized to inform, support, and assist affected citizens.
HL/ HaitiLibre