Relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic may be showing early signs of improvement after months of diplomatic tension. Edwin Paraison, former Haitian ambassador to the Dominican Republic and former minister for Haitians living abroad, expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of renewed dialogue between the two nations that share the island of Hispaniola.
Bilateral relations deteriorated in September 2023 following a dispute over the construction of an irrigation canal along the border. However, since Alix Didier Fils-Aimé assumed leadership of Haiti’s executive branch on February 7, observers say there may be a window for restoring communication channels between the two governments.
“There are signals that can create a certain level of hope,” Paraison said during an interview on Radio Magik 9 on March 18. He noted that the presence of key figures from the private sector within Haiti’s leadership, including Foreign Minister Raina Forbin, could help facilitate discussions between the two countries.
Recent contacts between members of the private sectors of Haiti and the Dominican Republic also appear to support this possibility. Representatives from both sides met at CODEVI Industrial Park along the Haiti–Dominican Republic border as part of an ongoing dialogue aimed at strengthening communication and cooperation between the two countries’ business communities.
Paraison described the meeting as an important step, noting that formal discussions between the two sides had been largely absent for some time.
Despite these developments, challenges remain. Paraison pointed out that ultranationalist groups in the Dominican Republic continue to oppose closer relations with Haiti and have publicly expressed hostility toward Haitian migrants.
“There is an ideological and political current that does not want relations with Haiti,” he said, adding that these ultranationalist positions represent a minority view and do not reflect the broader Dominican society.
According to him, many sectors—including churches and professional groups—support normal relations between Haitians and Dominicans.
Meanwhile, the Dominican government remains cautious regarding certain bilateral initiatives, particularly those involving consular and migration issues. Paraison noted that visas have been granted discreetly to certain groups, including around 200 truck drivers who are allowed to renew their visas to facilitate cross-border trade, as well as students who have also benefited from these measures.
The issue of Haiti was also mentioned internationally during the inauguration events of Chile’s new president, José Antonio Kast, in Santiago. During a toast at a diplomatic gathering, Kast referred to Haiti as a “sister nation” and emphasized the importance of cooperation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
“One island, two nations, where we must work together to restore peace, order and justice in this sister nation,” Kast said, calling for renewed international efforts to stabilize Haiti.
