Mister President,

In my own name and that of the Delegation accompanying me, I would like to first of all thank you for the warm fraternal welcome bestowed on us here on the soil of José Martí.

I would also like to thank you for having honored me with the distinctive Order of José Martí, the name of the legendary figure of the Cuban People's liberation movement.

Mister President,

This moment in which we find ourselves today is both historic and and solemn. In effect, this is the first visit by a Haitian head of state to your country, despite our cultural and geographic proximity. This is also the celebration of renewed friendship between our two Peoples, whose histories reflect the same thirst in the struggle for liberty and respect for human dignity. To achieve the right to have a vital space, and to enjoy these in freedom and independence, Cuba and Haiti have paid for these with the blood of many of their valiant Sons.

Almost two centuries after the actions of Maceo in the eastern provinces of Cuba and of Jean-Jacques Dessalines at Vertières, my presence at your side in Havana proves that Cuban-Haitian friendship has transcended all sociopolitical vicissitudes of the history of our two Countries.

After the resumption of diplomatic relations in February 1996 - decided by my predecessor, President Jean-Bertrand Aristide - and the subsequent opening of the Embassy of Cuba in Port-au-Prince and the Embassy of Haiti in Havana, this visit as well as the conclusions drawn by the Joint Commission, consecrates the commitment of our two Peoples to a mutually beneficial cooperation.

For the Republic of Haiti, Mr. President, cooperation between countries of the South should be the first step reflecting the essential values in the relations between peoples. It should allow the formulation of a politics which takes into account their fundamental, legitimate aspirations. It should tirelessly reaffirm that true development consists, before all, in satisfying the most essential human needs, and that these are not exclusively material.

It is also when basic requirements are taken into account for education, health, all improvements, which are collective aspirations permitting the combat against all forms of exclusion, that politics truly makes sense. Such a perspective is one of solidarity between citizens, if one speaks of national territory, and between peoples and nations when one speaks of the international relations network.

From this solidarity between Peoples, a true shield against all forms of egoism and domination, Haiti has been the recent beneficiary of friendly countries following the destruction caused by hurricane Georges.

Mister President,

In the humanitarian field, Cuba has raised its voice strongly. The Haitian People and Government greatly appreciate the offer you made publicly to send a team of doctors, a whole class if necessary as you indicated, to assist and relieve our many wounded. I take the opportunity of this visit not only to thank you in their names, but also to honor you.

Your personal commitment Mr. President, in the reinforcement and development of links between the Haitian and Cuban Peoples is very well known. Never has your support ever been in doubt, and we all know how precious it has been during certain difficult periods of our history. Once again, the Haitian People and Government are profoundly grateful to you. Also, because of these efforts and of the thoughtfulness expresssed many times over, and in witness of our great esteem, this is for me a very, very great honor, in the name of our patrimony, to bestow upon you the National Order of Honor and Merit, Grand Golden Cross.

I thank you.

(Unofficial Translation: Embassy of Haiti)

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