In his first official visit since taking office on 7 February, Haitian President Rene García Preval met with his Dominican counterpart, Joaquin Balaguer, at the National Palace in Santo Domingo on 12 and 13 March. Mr. García Preval and Dr. Balaguer signed a series of agreements designed to promote cultural, scientific and technical cooperation and exchanges, while partially putting the trade relationship between the neighboring nations on a more formal basis. The meeting between the two heads of state was praised by most sectors in both Haiti and the D.R., including business, religious and political leaders. There has been special attention paid to the trading relationship which, hitherto, has been conducted in such an informal manner that it has been almost impossible to compile reliable statistics for feasibility studies and other related purposes. During his visit to Santo Domingo, Mr. García Preval met with a group of Dominican businessmen, the major 1996 presidential candidates, and also received official honors from President Balaguer at the National Palace.
The meeting between Mr. García Preval and Dr. Balaguer represents a marked improvement in relations between the two nations which have traditionally experienced deep cultural and political conflicts. The new wave of cordiality should continue for some time, as all of the candidates who met with the Haitian president have pledged to maintain harmonious relations if they are elected to the presidency of the D.R.
22-28 March 1996