During his historic visit to Haiti on Jan. 22, Gustavo Petro apologized to the Haitian people for the participation of the Colombian mercenaries in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

I want to thank you for helping my America, my Colombia, achieve freedom,” he said. “You even gave us our flag.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Haiti's southeastern city of Jacmel on Wednesday afternoon in a rare visit by a foreign head of state to the Caribbean nation, as Haiti endures an extended conflict with armed gangs.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is visiting Haiti as part of a whirlwind trip to strengthen ties with the violence-wracked country.

Francisco de Miranda, considered to be the precursor of Venezuela’s independence, stitched the country’s first flag in Jacmel and set sail from the port city. A decade later, South American liberator Simón Bolívar launched his successful movement from Jacmel’s shores.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro made a historic visit to Haiti's city of Jacmel amidst Haiti's struggle with armed gangs. His meeting with Haitian officials aimed at strengthening ties and addressing security challenges.