In wake of shakeup, Foreign Affairs to relaunch foreign policy

Santo Domingo.- Recently-designated Foreign Affairs minister Andrés Navarro on Wednesday announced the relaunch of the Dominican Republic’s foreign policy and diplomacy, prioritizing stronger ties with Haiti and the regional integration with Central America and the Caribbean.

The announcement comes in the heels of the recent shakeup in the Ministry, tarnished by rampant cronyism and people who are paid despite having no function, called “botellas” (bottes).

In his first press conference as head of the Foreign Ministry, Navarro stressed stronger relations with Haiti, noting that the neighboring country’s well-being also benefits Dominican Republic.

"Haiti is a priority in our international relations. We have a common history and we must ensure that efforts will forge ahead with good results," the official said.

He said Port-au-Prince and Santo Domingo currently build harmonious relations which should lead to good results for both countries.

Navarro said the effort also seeks to bolster Dominican Republic’s regional integration with Central America, with agencies such as the Central American Integration System (SICA) and other organizations in the area.