70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties: Haitian Ambassador Hopes for New Framework to Promote Tech Cooperation

Haiti's Ambassador to Taiwan, Roudy Stanley Penn, who took office in August last year, is on his second posting to Taiwan, with his first being in May 2021. Penn was interviewed by CNA on April 8.

Penn stated that his return to Taiwan is with clearer government directives to promote cooperation with Taiwan in various fields, including technology, security, public health, and disaster management. Having been stationed in Taiwan for three and a half years, he is familiar with Taiwanese political and business figures, and the Haitian government hopes to accelerate the implementation of bilateral cooperation through this.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has been actively promoting the "Glorious Nation Project." Penn believes this is an excellent approach and aligns with his personal expectations for positive cooperation between Haiti and Taiwan. The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advocates for a new cooperation framework between Haiti and Taiwan that goes beyond past bilateral cooperation focused on agriculture, hoping to expand into public health, technology, and national security, especially given Taiwan's status as a major technology nation.

Penn noted that Haiti, located in the Caribbean, can offer many economic advantages and serves as a gateway to the United States, which is very beneficial for Taiwan. The more mutually beneficial the economic cooperation, the more stable the diplomatic ties.

Penn emphasized that nations unite through shared experiences, and in the current international climate, like-minded countries must support each other, foster growth, and collectively address problems and find solutions.

In late February 2024, Haiti experienced armed conflict when an armed group demanded the resignation of then-President Ariel Henry, attacking two prisons, the international airport, a stadium, and police stations. The capital, Port-au-Prince, fell under gang control, and Henry resigned on March 11. Haiti's government was taken over by a Transitional Presidential Council on April 25, and a new president has yet to be elected.

"The presidential election is the government's top priority," Penn said, adding that the electoral commission is planning, and while he is not a member, the Haitian government understands the importance of elections.

When asked about Haiti's security situation, Penn said that some areas live as usual, while others face security challenges. Taiwan's donation of police bulletproof vests has provided substantial help. The Haitian government is committed to strengthening its police force and hopes for partners to assist in training police. Haiti uses drones for surveillance but still needs lower-cost AI cameras to aid in gun interdiction.

Haiti gained independence from France in 1804, becoming not only the first republic in Latin America but also the world's first black-led republic.

Penn believes that "historically, the Haitian people embody resilience." He added that declaring independence was not enough for Haiti; it also used its resources to help other Latin American countries gain independence from colonialism, which he calls "active resilience."

Penn stressed that supporting democracy is the foundation of Haiti as a sovereign nation. Therefore, Haiti supports democracy and the freedom of the Taiwanese people, because Haiti not only understands the taste of freedom but also deeply knows the feeling of being isolated. The size of a country cannot define Haiti; Haiti values its principles and stands with its allies and the people of Taiwan. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150409