Ambassador Penn presents Mayor Hou with a Haitian Saint-Soleil painting.

Haitian Ambassador to Taiwan Roudy Stanley Penn met with New Taipei City Mayor Yu-Ih Hou on October 20 to discuss cultural diversity, talent development, and opportunities for closer cooperation. Building on the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and Haiti, both sides looked to strengthen ties by pooling resources and expanding exchanges across a range of fields.

Marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Haiti, Mayor Hou thanked Haiti for its steadfast support on the international stage. He emphasized that education has long been a shared priority for both countries, noting that exchanges among young people and professionals could encourage mutual learning, facilitate the sharing of experiences, and create more opportunities for educational collaboration. During the meeting, Mayor Hou invited Ambassador Penn to take part in New Taipei City's Ambassadors on Campus program. Through school visits, the ambassador could introduce students to Haiti's unique and vibrant culture and help broaden their global perspectives.

Mayor Hou noted that New Taipei City is a diverse and inclusive international metropolis that has long fostered cultural dialogue and understanding through major festivals as well as arts and cultural events. He also welcomed opportunities for residents to learn more about Haiti's rich cultural heritage and distinctive traditions, bringing Haitian culture closer to the people of New Taipei City.

Haiti has expanded opportunities for young people to study abroad in recent years, Ambassador Penn remarked. These programs aim to develop young talent through international education and exchange. He hopes to foster closer ties and more meaningful interaction with students in New Taipei City. Ambassador Penn also highlighted Haiti's vibrant artistic legacy, particularly Compas—a music and dance tradition recognized as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. He envisions music and the arts as bridges for cultural exchange, paving the way for future cooperation with New Taipei City and allowing more residents to experience Haiti's vast cultural diversity and distinctive charm firsthand.

Mayor Hou reaffirmed New Taipei City's deep appreciation for its friendship with Haiti. Building on educational and cultural exchanges, the city will continue exploring new areas of cooperation to carry this treasured 70-year friendship forward to the next generation.

Other guests from the Embassy of Haiti included Political Attaché Jackson Merinor and First Secretary Sarita Verdieu. New Taipei City Government officials joining Mayor Hou in welcoming the delegation included Deputy Secretary General Ya-Wen Kung, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs Chia-Yu Chang, Director General of the Secretariat Hui-Mei Juh, and Chief Secretary of the Education Department Li-ling Huang.


Group photo following the meeting.