President Abinader arrives in Washington to accept leadership recognition

Washington, DC.- President Luis Abinader landed in Washington DC at 7:45 tonight, gearing up to receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award for Leadership in the Americas and deliver a speech at the 54th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas.

Departing from the San Isidro Air Base at 4:00 in the afternoon, Abinader’s visit is marked by anticipation for the recognition bestowed by the Council of the Americas. The award acknowledges his dedication to regional security, democratic advocacy, and anti-corruption efforts since assuming office in 2020.

The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, at the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Accompanying the President are First Lady Raquel Arbaje, along with key ministers including Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Álvarez, Treasury Minister José Manuel Vicente, and Economy Minister Pavel Isa. Also part of the delegation are his aides, Eilyn Beltrán and Lourdes Herrera, as well as the head of the Presidential Security Corps (CUSEP), Jimmy Arias, and Julio Eduardo Díaz Sosa.

The Dominican ambassador to Washington, Sonia Guzmán, and the President’s press director, Daniel García Archibald, are among those joining the trip.

The Chairman’s Award for Leadership in the Americas recognizes democratically elected leaders who have shown exceptional dedication to the Western Hemisphere. Past recipients include Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States in 2022; Bill Cassidy, United States Senator in 2021; and Marco Rubio, United States Senator in 2019.

The Annual Washington Conference on the Americas is a pivotal event, attracting top officials to discuss critical issues such as trade, democracy, and energy. It offers a platform for engagement with business and political leaders, diplomats, and special guests from across the hemisphere.

President Abinader and his delegation are expected to return on Wednesday.