Taipei: Haiti's ambassador to Taiwan and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung on Thursday reaffirmed bilateral ties as the two diplomatic allies marked the 70th anniversary of relations at a reception in Taipei. "This bilateral relationship is one of Haiti's oldest and most consistent in Asia, reflecting a long-standing friendship based on democracy, peace, and mutual respect for sovereignty," Ambassador Roudy Stanley Penn said. Penn emphasized Haiti's consistent support for Taiwan on the international stage, remaining true to its principles and history.According to Focus Taiwan, as the world's first independent Black republic, Haiti "arose from a struggle for freedom, human dignity, and people-centered self-determination," Penn said. He noted that Haitian diplomacy has carried these values forward, contributing uniquely to global freedom struggles. "It is in this spirit that we stand with Taiwan," he added.Looking ahead, the ambassador expressed hope that the friendship between Haiti and Taiwan, "forged throug h history," would continue to be "a living force that uplifts us and calls us to action." Lin stated that Taiwan and Haiti have collaborated since establishing diplomatic ties in 1956, achieving progress in agriculture, infrastructure, public health, and education.The two countries share values including freedom, human rights, democracy, and resilience, Lin said. He also thanked Haiti for being one of Taiwan's "most steadfast allies," citing its support for Taiwan's participation in the international community, including at the United Nations General Assembly and organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, and the Republic of Haiti established diplomatic relations on April 25, 1956. Haiti is one of 12 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The Caribbean nation has faced escalating gang violence and social unrest since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse at his home in July 2021. The country is currently led by interim Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.