Dominican Republic and Belgium to strengthen police cooperation against organized crime

Santo Domingo.- Dominican Republic and the Kingdom of Belgium signed a memorandum of understanding between their police forces, to strengthen cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime. The pact contemplates cooperation in areas such as transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, police ethics, community policing, and gender equality. The agreement was signed by Major General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz, director of the National Police, and Chief Commissioner Eric Snoeck, representing the Belgian Federal Police. The event in the Green Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by national authorities and those of the guest country. As honorary witnesses participated the Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful and her counterpart from Belgium, Bernard Quintín, who thanked the welcome and expressed that efforts will continue in favor of the well-being of both nations. Meanwhile, Raful highlighted that this agreement represents a strategic alliance to confront organized crime, especially in the context of drug trafficking routes that connect South America with Europe. “Each exchange of information with partners like Belgium means greater operational capacity and more protection for our citizens”. He underlined that Belgium has been a key ally in initiatives such as the Container Control Programme, the Passenger Programme and international legal cooperation, which has allowed the identification of criminal structures and action in accordance with international standards. Likewise, it was pointed out that this memorandum is part of the police reform promoted by the Dominican Republic, aimed at modernizing training, strengthening internal controls and incorporating human rights standards in police work.

“Belgium signs with an institution in transformation, and we with a police force with experience in governance and professional training. That is the value of this agreement,” he expressed.

You may be interested in: Minister of Interior and Police highlights decrease in reported robbery rate compared to 2025

From his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Álvarez, expressed his satisfaction with the strengthening of ties between both nations. "We are pleased that the Dominican Republic continues relations with Belgium, with whom we maintain 135 years of diplomacy and a permanent embassy." Also present at the event were the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Fernández Onofre, and the president of the National Drug Control Directorate, Vice Admiral José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa. From the Ministry of Interior and Police, Juan Ferrand, legal director; Tristán Carbuccia, from the cabinet; and Mercedes Castillo, in charge of international cooperation. Similarly, General Esteban Figuereo García, Deputy Director of the National Police, and Colonel Roenny Cataño, Director of Cooperation and International Affairs, were in attendance. This agreement reaffirms the commitment of both countries to international security and strengthens joint capabilities to prevent and combat organized crime.