Roberto Álvarez concludes six-year term as Dominican Foreign Minister

Santo Domingo.- Roberto Álvarez concluded his six-year tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, following his resignation from the position. He was succeeded by Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, appointed by President Luis Abinader through Decree 554-26.

In a message posted on X, Álvarez thanked Abinader for his confidence and said he leaves the Ministry with “the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled” and pride in the work accomplished. He also thanked the officials, professionals and technicians at the ministry and Dominican diplomatic and consular missions, while wishing Bisonó success in his new role.

Since August 2020, Álvarez’s administration focused on modernizing and professionalizing the Foreign Ministry and Dominican foreign service. Among the initiatives were two public competitions for entry into the diplomatic service, reforms to the consular collection system and stronger mechanisms to assist and protect Dominicans abroad during international emergencies.

The Dominican Republic also increased its diplomatic engagement on the crisis in Haiti, contributing to efforts that led to the United Nations Security Council’s approval of a multinational mission for Haiti. During Álvarez’s tenure, the country hosted the 28th Ibero-American Summit in 2023 and twice held the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Central American Integration System.

Álvarez said the foreign policy promoted under Abinader sought to protect Dominicans, expand economic opportunities, promote development cooperation and strengthen the country’s international standing.