Medina: Dominican diplomacy must have one clear, strong voice

Santo Domingo.- President Danilo Medina on Wednesday said the Government aims to ensure that in all forums in which it participates, Dominican Republic has a clear and strong voice, fully aligned with his Administration’s objectives.

Speaking to open the "1st Dominican Diplomacy Forum" in the Foreign Ministry, the president said the new initiative will strengthen foreign policy and the institution

He said it’s time to revive Dominican diplomacy and promote the country’s image abroad, in bilateral and multilateral relations, and working close with the region and the globe. "We’re determined to make our external relations an effective social, economic and cultural instrument to develop the Dominican Republic,"

Medina said it’s essential for foreign policy to give top priority to the treatment and care for the people, especially Dominicans abroad.

Remittances

The President listed the diaspora’s contributions in 2012, when remittances topped US $4.0 billion; increased to US$ 4.3 billion in 2013, and US$4.6 billion 2014, totaling US$13.0 billion, almost, “nearly doubling the FDI received by the country in the last three years, of US$7.5 billion.”

"It’s time for the Foreign Ministry to play a renewed and fundamental role to promote our productive sectors and our development agenda. It’s essential that we have a proactive, modern and efficient diplomatic corps,” Medina said.