Above: Haiti President Michel Martelly in Ecuador (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti and Ecuador have signed several cooperation agreements in the area of defence.

The agreements were signed during Haiti President Michel Martelly’s visit to Ecuador this week, during which he met with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and Defence Minister Miguel Carvajal.

Martelly, who was accompanied by Haitian Defence Minister Rudolph Joazile, discussed security issues, including his idea of a new Haitian armed forces, with his Ecuadorian counterparts.

Ecuador has earmarked $13.5 million for the reconstruction of Haiti.

“I know the history of Haiti and its contribution to the cause of Latin America,” Carvajal said. “True independence will be achieved together.”

Martelly, who said Ecuador was “in the heart of all Haitians,” was greeted by a group of Haitian residents of Ecuador upon his arrival yesterday.

“The new Haiti I want to promote does not want to beg, but to seek solidarity and technical cooperation with friendly countries,” Martelly said.

Included in the areas of cooperation would be the creation of an engineering corps in Haiti, a marine rescue service and several new military units.

The latter would include a light infantry corps for border areas, an aviation and helicopter division and an anti-riot unit. All three would be aimed at suppressing armed actions that would be harmful to Haitian security, the National Palace said in a statement.

Ecuador’s support would also include support for Haiti’s national police. That will come soon, with 15 Haitian policemen to be trained each year by Ecuadorian police.

At this time, the support would only come if and when Haiti decides to create a new army, a National Palace spokesperson told Caribbean Journal.

If Haiti eventually creates an army, the Ecuadorian support and training would then arrive, he said.

The two sides also agreed on a series of reconstruction projects, including road restoration, canal rehabilitation and modular housing, among others.