Abinader opens XVI Ameripol Summit bringing together police delegations from the Americas, Europe and beyond
Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader called on police authorities across the Americas to strengthen international cooperation, share intelligence, and coordinate joint actions to combat transnational organized crime and prevent criminals from finding safe havens in other countries.
Speaking at the opening of the XVI Ordinary Summit of the Community of Police of the Americas (Ameripol) in Santo Domingo, Abinader said crime has evolved from a national concern into a regional and international threat that requires coordinated responses.
“Crime is not national, crime is regional, crime is international,” the president said, stressing that criminal organizations take advantage of national borders to expand their operations.
Abinader also described citizen security as a key condition for economic development and quality of life. He said his administration has strengthened security strategies through a task force that meets weekly to assess crime trends, coordinate actions, and monitor results.
“A single homicide, a single robbery is one too many for our country,” he said, while acknowledging that security challenges remain.
The president also highlighted the importance of international police meetings for exchanging best practices, experiences, and intelligence, arguing that stronger institutional relationships and trust facilitate cooperation against criminal threats.
During the summit, Ameripol awarded Abinader its Grand Extraordinary Order in recognition of his contribution to citizen security and international police cooperation. National Police Director Major General Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García also received the Ameripol Order for his leadership and commitment to regional security.
Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s commitment to combating transnational crimes, including drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering. She also highlighted the ongoing transformation of the National Police and the importance of ratifying the Brasilia Treaty, which would grant Ameripol its own legal personality.
The summit includes representatives from Interpol, the Organization of American States, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the European Anti-Fraud Office, as well as police and security authorities from countries including Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, and South Korea.
