The US will send Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Ambassador Roger Noriega to meet with President Hipolito Mejia, business advocates, leaders of the three main political parties, Central Electoral Board judges, members of Congress and the press during his two-day visit. As reported in El Caribe, Noriega arrives today, 10 December, with the aim of discussing the state of the economy, trade, justice and democracy in the Dominican Republic.
Noriega is responsible for managing US foreign policy and promoting US interests in the region. Prior to becoming assistant secretary, he served as a US permanent representative to the Organization of American States from 2001 to 2003. While at the OAS, he worked with hemispheric leaders to strengthen democracy, advance human rights, foster economic integration and promote peace and security throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Before his appointment to the OAS, Ambassador Noriega was a senior staff member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the US Senate.
Noriega is the second high-ranking US official to visit the DR in less than a month. Some two weeks ago, Under Secretary for International Affairs at the US Department of Treasury John Taylor was here for a one-day visit.