On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Foreign Minister Raina Forbin and Public Works Minister Joseph Almathe Pierre-Louis laid the foundation stone for the future diplomatic lounge at Cap-Haitien International Airport.

This ceremony also marked the transfer of management of the current VIP lounge of the National Airport Authority (AAN) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bernard Schettini, Director General of the AAN, reiterated his institution's commitment to supporting this initiative by temporarily providing the Ministry with a space for hosting high-ranking national and international officials. This measure will ensure the continuity of protocol and diplomatic services during construction, in accordance with international standards.

In his address, Minister Pierre-Louis emphasized that this project is part of the extensive modernization program for Cap-Haïtien International Airport, aimed at strengthening operational security and supporting the economic and tourism development of the Grand North region.

Minister Forbin commended the excellent collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works, the National Airport Authority, and her ministry, which made this long-awaited achievement possible. She reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' commitment to ensuring modern management of the Diplomatic Lounge, based on ongoing training, staff capacity building, and service excellence, in order to offer diplomats, international partners, and distinguished visitors a welcome befitting the prestige of the Republic of Haiti.

Both ministers also praised Prime Minister Fils-Aimé's vision for modernizing the State's strategic infrastructure and strengthening public services.

IH/ iciHaiti