Santo Domingo.– The government of Javier Milei continues to prioritize its foreign policy by reinforcing ties with the Dominican Republic, a crucial ally in the Caribbean. Mariano Vergara, Undersecretary of Latin American Affairs for Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of the Dominican Republic during an interview in Santo Domingo. He noted shared political values and the long-standing 104-year bilateral relationship between the two nations. Vergara highlighted plans to boost trade and business collaborations, particularly through enhanced student exchange programs for diplomatic training.
Tourism as a Key Opportunity
Tourism is a sector with great potential for strengthening bilateral ties. Sandra Winkler, Argentina’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, pointed to the growing number of direct flights between the two countries, contributing to a surge in Argentine tourists. In 2023, over 211,000 Argentines visited the Dominican Republic, making Argentina the fourth-largest source of tourists to the island. Both governments are negotiating an open skies agreement aimed at increasing direct flights and lowering travel costs.
Expanding Trade and Logistics Cooperation
Trade remains a cornerstone of the Argentina-Dominican Republic relationship. Argentina exports a variety of products, including vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment, while the Dominican Republic’s strategic location offers strong logistical potential for connecting with the Caribbean and Central America. Vergara reiterated Argentina’s interest in deregulating air trade to enhance bilateral commerce, with both nations focused on advancing agreements in tourism, trade, and logistics.