Haiti and El Salvador pledge to step up cooperation against gangs

The foreign ministers of Haiti and El Salvador have agreed to strengthen security cooperation, particularly against armed gangs, according to Vant Bèf Info. Raina Forbin and Alexandra Hill Tinoco met in Madrid on 4 November 2026, on the sidelines of the Ibero-American summit. Their talks focused on security and on the fight against armed criminal groups in Haiti.

Solidarity and renewed support

Raina Forbin conveyed the Haitian government's solidarity to El Salvador after the attack targeting four Salvadoran soldiers. They were taking part in international efforts to restore security in Haiti. The outlet does not detail the circumstances of the attack.

For her part, Alexandra Hill Tinoco reaffirmed President Nayib Bukele's commitment to Haiti. Her country wants to continue and strengthen its support through the Gang Suppression Force and through bilateral cooperation. She said this support would last as long as the Haitian authorities considered it necessary. She added that the cooperation should respect Haiti's national sovereignty and the priorities set by the country.

Exchanges of experience and ongoing dialogue

The two ministers decided to step up the exchange of experience and good practices. These will cover organized crime and the protection of children exposed to the influence of gangs. The discussions will also extend to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, programs designed to support the reduction of armed violence.

Alexandra Hill Tinoco said she favored direct, ongoing dialogue with the Haitian authorities. It is meant to allow better coordination of interventions and more effective monitoring of the cooperation.

What the statement does not say

Vant Bèf Info places the meeting in the context of a serious security crisis in Haiti, where armed groups are extending their influence and stepping up violence against the population. Port-au-Prince and San Salvador say they want to contribute to restoring security, stability and development in Haiti.

The Haitian Foreign Ministry's statement does not indicate any new operational measures under consideration or any additional resources that would be mobilized.