Above: The presidents of Haiti and Taiwan in Panama

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti President Michel Martelly held talks earlier this week with Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou during their visit to Panama.

Both were in the country on the occasion of the swearing in of Panama’s new President, Juan Carlos Varela.

Martelly and Ma discussed the “reform and modernization of the Haitian government, the prevention and management of natural disasters, energy cooperation and reconstruction and strengthening cooperation,” according to a statement released by Haiti’s National Palace.

Martelly also met with regional leaders in attendance including Costa Rica President Luis Guillermo Solis.

The National Palace said Martelly expressed his “appreciation” of Costa Rica’s recent strong performance at the World Cup in Brazil.

Martelly has visited Panama several times during his presidency, most recently in mid-February.

Haiti’s President followed up his Panama trip with a visit to the CARICOM summit in Antigua.