JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic, (CMC) — Haiti and the Dominican Republic have started talks on an extradition treaty that they say would help stem criminal activities in both countries.

A joint statement issued following talks here between a Haitian delegation led by Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe and the Dominican delegation led by the presidency minister, Gustavo Montalvo, said the matter was among other issues discussed last Thursday.

“The parties discussed about an issue in which collaboration will be very important (that is) the need to have an extradition treaty to facilitate the prosecution of national fugitives taking refuge on the territory of one or the other country,” “according to the joint statement.

Criminals often cross the border to flee justice from the two countries that make up the island Hispaniola

Meanwhile, Lamothe has said that Haiti will soon begin a campaign to provide documents to thousands of its citizens seeking legal residency in the Dominican Republic.

He said Haiti would also reduce the cost of a passport from US$80 to about US$25, making it more affordable for migrants in the Dominican Republic who typically earn US$5 a day.

Lamothe said the campaign to provide the documents would begin soon, but he did not give an exact date.

The two countries have been holding talks ever since a Constitutional Court ruling last September in the Dominican Republic made thousands of people of Haitian descent stateless.

The ruling has been condemned by the international community, and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping has suspended talks with Santo Domingo on plans by the Spanish-speaking country to join the regional integration movement.