Brussels, 28 March 2023
HR/VP Josep Borrell was in the Dominican Republic from 24-27 March where he attended the EU the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit in Santo Domingo, on behalf of the EU.
At the summit, HR/VP Borrell addressed regional leaders, encouraging greater cooperation and intensified political dialogue between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean, in particular in the areas of the digital, green and just transitions, economic, trade and sustainable development as well as boosting cooperation in the areas of energy and security. He also highlighted the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a threat to the global multilateral order which is having a negative effect not only in Europe but also in the Latin American and Caribbean region in areas such as energy costs and supply chains. The vast majority of Latin America and Caribbean countries remain staunch supporters of international law and have condemned the Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine. HR/VP emphasised the strong ties between the two continents, forged by a joint history, deep cultural and family links and a common future.
The HR/VP stressed the importance of 2023 as year to relaunch EU – LAC relations, inviting leaders to attend the EU-CELAC Summit in Brussels in July 2023, the first to take place since 2015. HR/VP outlined that the EU and the region should not only be natural partners, but partners of choice who engage in dialogue and consult on the basis of shared interests.
His remarks and video of his speech at the Ibero-American Summit are available here.
He also used the occasion to meet with several regional foreign ministers, including those from Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica and Peru as well as the President of Colombia to strengthen dialogue and bilateral cooperation.
HR/VP Borrell also met with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Minister Roberto Álvarez Gil to discuss bilateral relations. HR/VP highlighted President Abinader’s clear and consistent stance in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine since the beginning. HR/VP highlighted that relations between the EU and the Dominican Republic are strong at all levels, including in political, cooperation, economic and trade areas. HR/VP reiterated that the country is a pillar of democratic stability and economic progress, outlining the EU will launch a €13 million cooperation programme with the Dominican Republic to promote inclusive economic growth and the Green Transition. They also discussed the difficult situation in Haiti. The HRVP highlighted the EU’s humanitarian assistance to Haiti, which amounted to over €20 million last year, as well as underlining the importance of finding a solution to the situation in the country.
Together with the Foreign Minister, HR/VP opened the new EU-Political Dialogue with the Dominican Republic. See here his opening remarks. The press point transcript and video with President Abinader is available here.
HR/VP also inaugurated the EU funded Latin American and Caribbean Cyber-Competence Centre, LAC4, with Minister of the Presidency Joel Santos and Estonian National Cybersecurity Center Director Gert Auväärt. This first EU funded regional knowledge hub and training centre aims at enhancing cyber capacities and supports the region in the fight against cybercrime and enhancing cybersecurity. See here the press release on the opening of the centre.
- Factsheet:EU and the Dominican Republic
Source – EEAS