Dominican President Luis Abinader concluded a high-level diplomatic mission to Costa Rica on 9 May 2026, after attending the presidential inauguration of Laura Fernández Delgado and holding strategic bilateral meetings focused on regional security, technology, and trade.
President Abinader was among the heads of state and international delegations gathered at the National Stadium in San José on 8 May 2026 for the formal investiture of President Fernández Delgado for the 2026-2030 constitutional term.
The Dominican leader was accompanied by Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez and Dominican ambassador to Costa Rica María Amelia Marranzini Grullón. Following the swearing-in, Abinader attended a protocolary greeting at the Convention Center, where he emphasized that his presence reaffirms the Dominican Republic’s commitment to Latin American democratic processes and regional integration. Over the years, the Dominican Republic has held close relations with Costa Rica as part of a bloc of nations that foster growth in democracy. There are currently 7,331 Dominican citizens residing in Costa Rica, according to official migration data.
Benchmarking the tech sector
During his visit, President Abinader praised Costa Rica as a regional benchmark for high-value free trade zones, particularly in medical devices, electrical equipment, and technology. He noted that the Dominican Republic has been studying Costa Rican “best practices” for the past two years to transition its own industrial model toward innovation and higher-paying jobs.
“Costa Rica has clearly been an example in those free zones of greater added value,” Abinader told members of the press, highlighting the shared goal of both nations to attract sophisticated international investment.
Strategic security and cooperation meetings
On the sidelines of the inaugural events, President Abinader held pivotal meetings on 9 May 2026 with US Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
United States: In discussions with Under Secretary Landau, Abinader reportedly focused on the political and economic partnership between the two nations. Key topics included the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) for Haiti and ongoing bilateral collaboration in the fight against transnational organized crime and drug trafficking.
Israel: The meeting with President Isaac Herzog centered on technical cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, and business development. President Abinader also noted the Dominican Republic’s historical role in welcoming Jewish migration and discussed the upcoming VI Latin American Forum against Antisemitism, scheduled to take place in Santo Domingo this August 2026.
In Israel, the presidency position is one of head of state, yet it is a largely ceremonial role meant to be a moral compass and a unifying figure for the nation. The Israeli President’s most significant powers are the authority to pardon criminals and the task of assigning the mandate to form a government after an election. At present, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the head of government and holds the actual executive power, manages the cabinet and directs national policy.
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Listin Diario
11 May 2026