Above: Haiti’s Michel Martelly and Mexico’s Felipe Calderon (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Looking to boost ties between Haiti and Mexico, Presidents Michel Martelly and Felipe Calderon held talks in Port-au-Prince focusing on cooperation on the fight against crime, promotion of investment in Haiti and other issues.

It was the first time Haiti had hosted a Mexican President since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1934.

“I would like to express our appreciation for your visit to Haiti,” Martelly told Calderon at a press briefing following the talks. “Your presence is a clear sign of a strengthening of friendly and fraternal relations between Haiti and Mexico.”

Martelly thanked Calderon for Mexico’s support of Haiti following the earthquake, when Mexico helped to support 80,000 people displaced by the quake.

Since 2010, Mexico has contributed more than $23 million in the execution of development projects in agriculture, education and health, according to the National Palace.

The two sides also discussed the control of migration flows, the participation of Haiti at the G20 summit, and the technical and financial support of the Mexican government in organizing local and parliamentary elections in Haiti this year.

Calderon pledged 300 scholarships to young Hatiians, and invited Martelly to make an official visit to Mexico.

“Mexico is a country that loves you — Mexico will always be with Haiti,” Calderon said. “Haiti and Mexico will continue to know each other better.”