RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA.- Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry recently met with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss the current border dispute with the Dominican Republic. They focused on the construction of an irrigation canal on the Masacre River in the province of Dajabón. The meeting took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Henry was attending the Caribbean Community (Caricom) – Saudi Arabia summit.
During their meeting, Henry explored with Blair the potential role of Blair’s foundation, the Institute for Global Change, in mediating the conflict. The objective is to facilitate the resumption of talks and normalize relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, guaranteeing respect for the rights of both nations.
Tony Blair, who was Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1997 to 2007, founded the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change after his retirement. His institute operates in several countries, and Blair is known for his participation in various diplomatic situations worldwide.
The conflict between the Dominican Republic and Haiti centers on the construction of the irrigation canal on the Haitian side of the Masacre River. In response, the Dominican government temporarily closed the borders, then reopened them with certain restrictions. Haitian municipal authorities in Juana Méndez reportedly decreed a ban on the entry of products purchased by Haitians into the binational Dajabón market.