Rome.- President Luis Abinader met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace to discuss various topics of mutual interest.
The Dominican president expressed gratitude for the warm reception and invited President Mattarella to visit the Dominican Republic as part of the 170th anniversary celebrations of bilateral relations. This meeting occurred during President Abinader’s visit to participate in a private audience with Pope Francis.
During their discussions, President Abinader urged President Mattarella to increase direct flights from Italy to strengthen tourism and commercial exchange. He also sought Italy’s support for the multinational force to be deployed in Haiti.
Additionally, President Abinader proposed signing a professional mobility agreement to facilitate Dominican workers’ employment in strategic sectors in Italy. He also requested progress on an agreement to recognize Dominican driver’s licenses in Italy and sought cooperation for acquiring Italian military equipment to enhance the Dominican Armed Forces.
The meeting included Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs José Julio Gómez and Dominican Ambassador to Italy, Tony Raful.
Upon arrival at the Quirinal Palace, President Abinader received formal honors, including an Honor Guard presentation and a troop inspection.
After the meeting with President Mattarella, Abinader departed for Lisbon, Portugal, at 8:11 p.m. (Rome time). In Lisbon, he will meet with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the Belem Palace. Upon arrival in Portugal, President Abinader will be received by the Head of Protocol of the Portuguese State, Jorge Silva, Ambassador Miguel Prestol, and Military Base Commander Abel Oliveira.