Santo Domingo, DR. – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Alvarezstated that Haiti currently has a favorable political environment at the international level that could facilitate an institutional transformation, in the midst of the prolonged crisis that that nation is going through.
The chancellor pointed out that an example of this support was the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 27-93on September 30 of last year, which authorized the deployment of a multinational security support mission to counter the violence generated by armed gangs in Haitian territory.
However, the official explained that it is difficult to offer a concrete answer about the levels of hunger, displacement and violence that are registered in Haitidue to the complexity of the scenario.
Álvarez highlighted that, currently, there are no conditions for a fully stable relationship between both nations, due to the persistent crisis and the lack of definitive official representatives in the neighboring country.
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“That is the opinion of a person who wants something; however, until real pacification is achieved it is not possible… but dialogue exists and is maintained,” said the minister after being consulted about the call for dialogue made by the former Haitian consul, Edwin Paraison.
He explained that the Dominican ambassador in Haiti has participated in the dialogues held and maintains communication with Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who serves as interim prime minister after the dissolution of the Presidential Transition Council (CPT).
Likewise, he specified that there is no estimated date to lift the veto on flights and maritime transport to Haiti, since that decision must be adopted by consensus and at the highest diplomatic level.
Dominican Republic, regional reference
The chancellor assured that the Dominican Republic exhibits sustained economic growth and democratic stability that place it in a favorable position compared to other nations in the region such as Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela.
According to him, this stability has motivated foreign citizens to visit and invest in the country, consolidating its leadership in the Caribbean.
Privileged relationship with the United States
Álvarez highlighted that the relationship between the Dominican Republic and the United States is “totally privileged”, based on mutual trust, the presence of the Dominican diaspora and shared interests in areas such as the fight against drug trafficking and trade.
As an example of that closeness, he mentioned the formal invitation extended to President Luis Abinader by US President Donald Trump to participate in the Summit of Presidents to be held in Miami on March 7.
“The relationship with the US is totally normal; we recently participated in a mini-summit on critical minerals,” the chancellor emphasized, noting that the country was one of the seven Latin American guests and received distinctive treatment.
Ambassador salaries
In another order, the minister explained that the salaries of Dominican ambassadors are around $5,000 per month, in addition to representation expenses, which vary depending on the country and the classification of the diplomatic mission. He indicated that the embassy in the United States is one of those with the greatest resources due to its strategic importance.
Relations with Mexico
When referring to Mexico, after that country’s decision not to attend the Summit of the Americas that was to be held in Santo Domingo and was later postponed, Álvarez assured that bilateral relations remain “absolutely normal.”
He indicated that trade continues to flow and that the refusal did not affect diplomatic ties. “I was in Mexico last year and met with its foreign minister,” he said.
He added that Mexico currently trains Haitian soldiers in its territory with the purpose of helping to mitigate violence in Haiti.
About the Ancient Dominican Order
Finally, the chancellor considered that the position adopted by the group called “Ancient Dominican Order”, after the case of the young man who died allegedly at the hands of Haitian nationals in Los Mina, “is out of place.”
He pointed out that the decision to expel foreigners corresponds exclusively to the Dominican State and cannot be assumed by individuals.
