By Sarah Morland (Reuters) -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,

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 visited Haiti's city of Jacmel amidst escalating violence from armed gangs. His meeting with Haitian officials aimed to fortify bilateral relations as Haiti struggles with gang control and food shortages.