Above: Haiti President Michel Martelly and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti President Michel Martelly met with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff during his trip to the Ibero-American Summit in Cadiz, Spain this week.

The two sides discussed agricultural development and democracy in Haiti, with Martelly reportedly assuring Rousseff of his efforts to hold elections in the country, according to “democratic standards.”

He also stressed the need for the two countries to enhance their cooperation in the agricultural sector.

Rounding out his meetings with Latin American and Caribbean leaders, Martelly also met with his counterpart from Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, discussing strengthened cooperation in areas like culture, tourism and trade relations, along with a potential Haitian cultural presence in Panama.

Martelly also suggested sending trade missions from Panama to Haiti, along with seeking Panama’s expertise in the establishment of free trade zones.

These kinds of exchanges of experience, Martelly said, would help Haiti become better positioned in the region.

Also under discussion was the potential for a second regular flight from Panama City to Port-au-Prince.

Panama will be hosting the next Ibero-American Summit in October 2013, focusing on the role of the Latin American community in the new global context.