Germany Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guido Westerwelle visits Haiti

By Haitilibre

Guido Westerwelle, the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany has concluded his tour [United States, Colombia, Mexico] by a working visit to Haiti this Sunday. The President Michel Martelly, received at the National Palace, the German delegation led by Guido Westerwelle who was accompanied among others: of Jens Peter Voss, the German Ambassador in Haiti.

The bilateral cooperation was the main theme of the meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Many points relating to the promotion of German investments in Haiti and the orientation of cooperation were discussed. "There must be visible progress in reconstruction [...] and stable conditions to increase foreign investment" declared the German Minister in response to a request of Martelly on this subject. Guido Westerwelle has urged the Haitian political parties to join forces with the power to accelerate the reconstruction. Statements which reflect the concerns of the international community before the political deadlock which lasts for 2 months and prevents the establishment of a new Government.

The President Martelly stressed the importance of education in general and on the project of widespread and obligatory schooling, in particular. He also insisted on the priority to give to the development of energy sector and to the promotion of alternative energies in the framework of this bilateral cooperation. Tourism development in Haiti, was also discussed. The Head of State wishes the support of Germany to carry out his objectives.

The cooperation at the sports level was also one of the topics discussed by the head of State who recalled the importance of healthy activities for young Haitians whose talents could be better exploited. Activities that also contribute to lower crime rates.

The interveners expressed satisfaction following this short meeting.


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President of Haiti Initiates Bilateral Cooperation with Germany

By Defend Haiti - Written by Samuel Maxime

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - President of the Republic, Michel Martelly, received on Sunday on the grounds of the National Palace, a delegation from Germany led by Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Guido Westerwelle and the German Ambassador to Haiti, Jens Peter Voss.

During the meeting, many issues relating to the promotion of German investments in Haiti and the orientation of cooperation were discussed. President Martelly stressed the importance of education and support for his draft plan for free education.

Cooperation in sports was also one of the themes addressed by the Head of State stressed the importance of healthy activities for young Haitians whose talents could be better exploited. Germany has a young World Cup team which made it to the top 4 in the world, in the last series.

The Head of State also stressed the priority to energy sector development and promotion of alternative energy within the framework of bilateral cooperation. Germany is one of the leading car makers in the world and have just extended a contract to produce models of the Volkswagen Beetle in Mexico. These kinds of investments are of interest to Haitians.

This is the second bilateral meeting with European nations. Last week the President met with the King and Prime Minister of Spain during a 3 day trip to the continent.