TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The foreign ministry said Taiwan is in negotiations to provide security assistance to Haiti, as the embattled Caribbean nation’s transitional government works to wrest control back from gangs who took control of parts of the country.

The foreign ministry’s Latin America Director Cheng Li-cheng (鄭力城) said on Tuesday (July 23) that Haiti hopes Taiwan will continue to provide assistance, which he said is currently under negotiation, per CNA. Taiwan is willing to assist as long as it is within its capabilities, Cheng said.

Cheng said Taiwan’s assistance to Haiti is focused on general security, food security, and social support. 

The United Nations sent a Kenya-supplied international security force to Haiti in October to restore government control from gangs. A further 200 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on July 17, where gangs control about 80% of the capital city Port au Prince, per AP.

Haiti is one of the 12 remaining countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Asked if China had sent troops to join the security mission to Haiti, Cheng said no.

Cheng said that Taiwan’s embassy in Haiti has friendly exchanges with the country’s transitional government. “The relationship is still considered stable,” he said.

Haiti’s transitional government was established in April, after the resignation of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Henry resigned in Puerto Rico in March, after a gang takeover of one of Haiti’s international airports prevented him from returning to the country.