Abinader joins France’s Bastille Day celebration, reaffirming strong bilateral ties

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje attended France’s National Day celebration on Monday, reaffirming the strong relationship between the Dominican Republic and France and their commitment to expanding cooperation in key sectors.

The couple was welcomed by French Ambassador Sonia Barbry, who emphasized the longstanding friendship between the two countries, built on shared values including freedom, equality, democracy, respect for international law, state sovereignty, and dialogue.

Barbry said President Abinader’s recent official visit to Paris helped deepen trust between both governments and reinforced their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. She also noted that more than 6,000 Dominicans currently reside in France.

The ambassador highlighted France’s development cooperation through the French Development Agency (AFD), which has mobilized more than US$1.5 billion over the past two decades for projects in urban transportation, water, sanitation, energy, and territorial development. She added that both countries are preparing to sign a new bilateral cooperation roadmap.

Barbry also praised the close collaboration between France and the Dominican Republic in combating drug trafficking, including joint efforts with the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), and announced plans to establish a Regional Training Academy against Drug Trafficking.

In addition, she underscored ongoing cooperation in education, science, and culture, including teacher training, research initiatives, support for the arts, and a forthcoming intergovernmental agreement on educational and cultural cooperation.