Turks and Caicos Governor Peter Beckingham met with Dominican Foreign Minister Andres Navarro in Santo Domingo last week in the first high-level talks between the two countries in several years.<\/p>\n
Turks and Caicos Minister of Border Control and Labor, Clara Gardiner, two Dominican Deputy Ministers, the head of the Navy and a team of officials also attended the meeting.<\/p>\n
At the meeting, the Dominican Republic expressed a wish to open a full time consulate in The Turks and Caicos Islands and the governor agreed to discuss the request with the Prime Minister and Minister of Border Control on his return. <\/p>\n
The two parties noted the increasing number of arrests of Dominican fishermen operating illegally within Turks and Caicos waters, and agreed to open a dialogue about the possibility of cooperation between the Dominican armada and Turks & Caicos police force to prevent this activity.<\/p>\n
They also acknowledged the likelihood of illegal human trafficking between the two countries, and agreed to increase efforts to prevent this practice.<\/p>\n
Both sides noted that there are potential opportunities for more trade between the countries, as well as in direct investment in the tourism and services sectors.<\/p>\n
Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic Hold High-Level Talks<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n