Taiwan Welcomes Haiti President

The President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen welcomed the leader of the Caribbean nation of Haiti with a military salute on Tuesday on his first official trip to Taipei.

"We appreciate Haiti’s long-term support of Taiwan and our international participation in many areas," Tsai said at a welcoming ceremony outside the Presidential Palace.

"We look forward to both sides continuing and deepening the mutual help and cooperative partnership, as the two countries’ friendship remains secure forever," she said.

"Even though Taiwan and Haiti are separated by large geographic distance, both share democratic and freedom values," Tsai said. "In many areas, both sides have seen the results of the long-term and deep partnership."

Haiti President Jovenel Moise who is being accompanied by a 30-member delegation said his country was grateful for Taiwan’s willingness to help with its development, and that it was looking forward to relations expanding into a new phase.

Haiti is looking to promote employment and economic growth, with a focus on strengthening private investment, agriculture modernization, as well as infrastructure, he said.

"All these plans are currently facing very difficult challenges," Moise said. "We are looking forward to a mutual win."

Taiwan and Haiti have been allies since 1956.

Beijing has launched a campaign over the last two years to lure away Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies, as it seeks to pressure Tsai, who it fears wants to push for the island’s formal independence.

Tsai has said she wants to maintain the status quo but will not be bullied by Beijing and will defend Taiwan and its democracy. (Reuters)