US diplomat visits Haiti and Dominican Republic for security, economy talks
The Story
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau traveled to the Dominican Republic and Haiti for two days of official meetings focused on security and economic interests. Landau met with Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, national police officials, and a U.N.-backed gang suppression force on Friday. He also was scheduled to meet with officials in the Dominican Republic on Saturday. The Dominican Republic has become a key U.S. ally, and President Luis Abinader said last November he would allow U.S. operations in restricted areas to fight drug trafficking. Landau wrote on social media that security, stability, and prosperity in Haiti are in both nations’ interests. While Landau was in Port-au-Prince, three police officers and a civilian were killed in Haiti’s Artibonite region during an operation against gangs. Haiti’s National Police sent reinforcements to combat heavily armed men in the area.
Key Facts
- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau visited the Dominican Republic and Haiti as part of an official two-day trip.
- Talks focused on mutual economic commercial interests and regional priorities including security, according to a U.S. government statement.
- Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said last November he would allow U.S. operations in restricted areas to help fight drug trafficking.
- Landau met on Friday with Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, national police officials, and a U.N.-backed gang suppression force.
- Landau wrote on X: “Security, stability, and prosperity in Haiti is in both our nations’ interests.”
- While Landau met with officials in Port-au-Prince, three police officers and a civilian were killed in Artibonite during an operation to seize back an area under siege by gangs.
- Haiti’s National Police said it sent reinforcements to help officers fighting heavily armed men.
- The Gran Grif gang, which is mounting a campaign of terror in the region, is accused of killing dozens of people in the past year.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State
- Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Prime Minister of Haiti
- Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic
Sources: abcnews.com
