Diario Libre published an extensive interview with Foreign Relations Minister Roberto Alvarez on Monday, 8 May 2023. Alvarez is credited with reorganizing the Ministry of Foreign Relations. In the interview with Diario Libre executive editor Ines Aizpun, and journalist Niza Campos, Alvarez shares his vision for Dominican foreign relations.
Since day 1, Alvarez has maintained a strong pro-USA slant in Dominican foreign relations, despite the United States not naming an ambassador since Trump political appointee Robin Bernstein left the position at the start of the Biden presidency. Alvarez speculates the failure to do so on behalf of the United is more a domestic issue for the US. He says the US government seems to be still seeking the appropriate person. He says his preference would be for the US government to send a career diplomat and not a political appointee.
Alvarez has argued the US is the country’s main trading and investment partner, its main source of travelers and that around two million Dominicans live in the United States. He has sought the DR be more proactive with nearshoring to fill the needs of US companies to source manufacturing outside of Asia.
Hand in hand with President Luis Abinader, Alvarez has spearheaded the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD) with Costa Rica, Panama and later Ecuador. He expects to use the leverage of the purchasing power of the four countries to make strides in international negotiations.
Regarding the Haiti issue, Alvarez says that “the main responsibility is of the Haitian people and its elite – political, business, religious who have not come forth with a national plan, nor agreements for the necessary stability.” He said the United Nations seeks to find a country to lead an intervention force in Haiti.
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Diario Libre
Diario Libre
9 May 2023