Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in the Dominican Republic last night to celebrate the opening of the first Russian Embassy in the country, 80 years after the two established diplomatic relations in March 1945, the daily Listin Diario [reported today. Lavrov’s visit, which included a courtesy call to President Luis Abinader and an extensive meeting with Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez, took place in an environment of friendly collaboration, which also included discussion of pressing global and regional problems, including Haiti’s horrific security crisis. Haiti shares the islands of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.
As Lavrov pointed out, this is the first visit of a Russian Foreign Minister to the Dominican Republic in the history of their relations. For years, the Russian ambassador in Venezuela also served as the ambassador to Santo Domingo. The new Russian Ambassador Alexey Seredin just presented his credentials on April 14 and efforts are underway to get premises ready and start engaging in diplomatic activities. Both sides expressed great satisfaction that Russia will have a physical presence through its embassy which will facilitate communication and collaboration across a variety of fields.
As Foreign Minister Alvarez reported in his joint press conference with Lavrov following their meeting, the two nations maintain friendly, cooperative relations, based on mutual respect, which will only grow over time. The two leaders elaborated on this potential detailing opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, economic and business matters, among others. Expanding cultural, humanitarian and education ties is also on the agenda. Lavrov pointed to Dominican support for two Russian resolutions at the UN—one against the glorification of Nazism and one opposing the return of colonialism “in all its forms.”
Alvarez also said he had provided Lavrov with a very detailed report on the “profound security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti,” and had emphasized the need for a more effective, coordinated international action in which the UN would play a central role. Coordination in the area of logistics and financial support are urgently needed to respond to the out-of-control gang violence that is ravaging Haiti, and threatening the Dominican Republic, he said, and expressed the hope that the Russian Federation could be of help in these efforts. The government of President Luis Abinader has demanded that the UN respond much more aggressively on Haiti as the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission lacks the funding, equipment and manpower to make any difference in the situation.
