PORT OF SPAIN: 21ST OCTOBER, 2022
On 21 October 2022, Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, met virtually with His Excellency Roberto Alvarez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic for a Bilateral Meeting. Both Ministers were joined by Senior Officials of their respective Ministries.
Minister Browne and Minister Alvarez discussed matters of mutual concern and of bilateral interest as well as matters within the regional context. The discussions covered a range of issues, most notably, on the trade and investment relationship between the two countries; areas for possible cooperation in the energy sector; candidatures and consultations on an Air Services Arrangement.
The situation in Haiti featured prominently on the agenda given the priority afforded by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the evolving crisis in the fellow Member State. It was acknowledged that support to the Haitian Government and People in the fight against the supply of illicit arms to criminal elements in the country was of paramount importance. Both Ministers affirmed the commitment to assist Haiti as far as possible.
Further, with respect to migration and challenges that have confronted Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic, Minister Browne advised of ongoing concern for the treatment and status of Dominicans of Haitian descent.
The Ministers also shared frank discussions on the current status of the relationship between CARICOM and the Dominican Republic and the outlook going forward. Within the context of global shifts including supply chain disruptions, it was recognised that greater collaboration on areas of priority and concern such as food and energy security would redound to the benefit of the citizens of the wider Caribbean Region.
Minister Browne and Minister Alvarez acknowledged that there was scope to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic, particularly in terms of trade and business engagement in the future. The Ministers expressed their interest to progress the bilateral relationship and committed to pursuing the matters discussed in a dedicated way.
