Obama meets Dominican envoy in the White House

Washington DC.- Dominican Republic’s recently-appointed Ambassador in the United States José Tomás Pérez on Monday presented credentials to US president Barack Obama, in a White House ceremony.

Pérez conveyed president Danilo Medina and the Dominican people’s greetings to the American people and their President.

Perez told Obama of Medina’s desire continue working together to benefit both peoples, to which Obama responded that it was of the u utmost importance.

The diplomat also invited the US president to visit Dominican Republic, to enjoy its hospitality, natural resources and culture.

Obama thanked Perez for the welcome provided by the Government and the Dominican people to vice president Joe Biden during his visit to the country, and praised the success of the Caribbean Energy Security Summit held in Washington in January.

He called the DR-CAFTA trade pact an excellent example of partnership in the region, and said Dominican Republic’s participation in the CBSI (Caribbean Basin Security Initiative) is essential to secure security and the rule of law in the Caribbean.

Pérez also noted the Dominican Government’s accomplishment such as its immigration policy and ongoing talks with Haiti.

In a statement, Perez lauded Washington-Santo Domingo trade of around US$12.5 billion in 2014, “and continues to grow at a rapid pace.”

He stressed the importance of the US’ direct foreign investment, whose increase his affirms is a major priority of the Dominican government.

Perez and Obama also discussed tourism and the importance of the Dominican community in the US.