Dominican Ambassador presents credentials to King Philippe of Belgium

Belgium.- Joan Margarita Cedano, the Dominican Republic’s new ambassador to Belgium, officially presented her credentials to King Philippe in a formal ceremony at the Royal Palace in Brussels. She was welcomed by key royal officials and accompanied by embassy representatives Ellen Martínez de Cooreman and Massiel Medina.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Cedano emphasized the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the Dominican Republic and Belgium, established 134 years ago on April 10, 1891. She reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening ties not only with Belgium, but also with the European Union and Luxembourg, where she will also serve as ambassador.

Belgium remains a key partner for the Dominican Republic due to its political importance and strong cultural and economic connections. In 2024, over 25,000 Belgian tourists visited the Dominican Republic, and bilateral trade continues to grow, with exports to Belgium doubling between 2018 and 2023. Looking ahead, the embassy is planning two Belgian trade missions to the Dominican Republic in May, as well as the first Dominican Week in Brussels, set for October.