Spanish
Mast, a Republican from Florida and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was accompanied by members of Congress: Bill Huizenga of Michigan; Jefferson Shreve of Indiana; Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania; Michael Baumgartner of Washington; Randy Fine of Florida; Ami Bera and Jimmy Panetta of California.
The delegation, accompanied by the United States Ambassador to the country, Leah Francis Campos, began its visit with a meeting with President Luis Abinader; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Álvarez; the Minister of Defense, Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre; the Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos; the Attorney General, Yeni Berenice Reynoso; among other important officials of the Dominican Government.
You can also read: Congressmen return to Washington to vote for reopening
Subsequently, they held scheduled meetings at the Chancellery and with senior government officials where they discussed regional security, consolidating successes in the fight against drug trafficking, and economic opportunities for both nations.
Then they also held meetings with members of the National Congress, including the President of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos, and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco. Finally, they met with the mayor of Santo Domingo, Carolina Mejía, in the historic Colonial Zone, along with the mayor of Santo Domingo Este, Dio Astacio, whose municipality is sister city to Allentown, PA, located in the district of Representative Ryan Mackenzie. You can also read: Ambassador Campos described the Dominican Republic as a "key partner" in the region, highlighting the country's leadership in promoting stability and countering transnational threats.
"Our meetings reaffirm the solid partnership between our nations and our shared commitment to strengthen trade and reinforce security," Campos noted.
Likewise, Congressman Mast highlighted that the United States has a close relationship with the Dominican Republic in collaborating for regional security and that this visit reaffirmed this fact.
“We are committed to continue strengthening the security and prosperity of the United States, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the entire Western Hemisphere for many more years,” said Mast.
Strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation was a central theme in the delegation's meetings. As one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing economies in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic plays a fundamental role in promoting the stability and prosperity of the region. Representatives reiterated their support for initiatives that drive economic growth, increase investment, and expand opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries.
