The Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) has paid tribute to Dominican musician, composer, and artist Juan Luis Guerra, declaring him the Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic.
The event, attended by First Lady Raquel Arbaje, saw Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez emphasize that over Guerra’s four decades of artistic career, the artist has elevated Dominican music to extraordinary dimensions. Alvarez specifically highlighted how Guerra has imbued merengue and bachata with unprecedented poetic sophistication and musical versatility.
“His career transcends the awards and distinctions accumulated,” Minister Alvarez stated during the ceremony dedicated to the Latin American icon. “What is truly significant is his capacity to narrate —with poetic verses that seduce and captivate the imagination and the heart— the daily experiences of our people: their dreams of social justice, their profound faith, their joy, and their unwavering sense of humor.”
A panel was held to analyze the work of Guerra. The panel, moderated by physician and essayist Jochy Herrera, featured insights from engineer, essayist, and writer Pedro Delgado Malagón; essayist and poet Soledad Álvarez; and communicator, musician, and writer César Muñóz. The panelists unanimously underscored Juan Luis Guerra’s profound legacy, reflecting on how his diverse songs have deeply touched people’s hearts and elevated the nation to new cultural heights.
For his part, Juan Luis Guerra expressed his gratitude for the distinction, thanking the Dominican Republic for the privilege of being born in a land surrounded by music. The acclaimed composer and singer concluded his remarks with a spiritual note: “I would like to conclude by giving glory and honor to the Lord Jesus. If I am sure of anything, it is that my melodies, metaphors, and all my songs come from Him.”
The activity also served as an early celebration of the National Day of Merengue and the National Day of Bachata. The Ministry of Foreign Relations explicitly recognized these rhythms as effective instruments of foreign policy that actively build national identity and a sense of belonging.
María Alejandra Castillo de Rault, director of Specialized Diplomacy at MIREX, elaborated on the cultural significance: “Music is a living memory that pulses in the heart of every Dominican. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, merengue and bachata have become universal symbols of identity and joy.”
Castillo de Rault characterized this phenomenon as a prime example of “soft power,” noting: “It does not impose, but connects; it does not pressure, but rather evokes feelings of pride, of admiration. It inspires. Music, and especially merengue and bachata, is one of the most powerful tools of this diplomacy: it moves and communicates without the need for translation.”
The event saw attendance from various dignitaries, including MIREX vice-ministers and officials, Juan Luis Guerra’s family and wife Nora Vega, representatives of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, media directors, and opinion leaders.
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Ministry of Foreign Relations
29 October 2025