Above: Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe (Photo: OPM Haiti)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe met Tuesday with South Africa President Jacob Zuma during his trip to New York this week.

Lamothe was accompanied by Haiti Foreign Minister Pierre-Richard Casimir. Zuma led a delegation including Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

The talks focused on what Lamothe called “warming” relations between Haiti and African states like South Africa, something he also said was a priority for his government.

The discussions also dealt with issues including mining, energy, tourism, agriculture and sport.

Zuma said he was determined to support Haiti’s reconstruction efforts, and that the country would soon accredit a new ambassador to Haiti with residence in Jamaica.

South Africa will also look to support Haiti’s engagement with the African Union, in which Haiti is seeking to achieve full membership.

Lamothe said Haiti planned to reopen its embassy in Pretoria.

Haiti President Michel Martelly could visit the next Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Francophonie in Congo in October, the two sides said.