U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo on September 6, 2024, to discuss pressing issues such as human rights, economic prosperity, and regional security, particularly focusing on the ongoing crisis in Haiti. This meeting followed Blinken's visit to Haiti, where he supported a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya aimed at combating gang violence [7459b099].
During their discussions, Abinader expressed significant concerns regarding the lack of resources allocated for the mission and the increasing impact of Haitian migrants on Dominican schools and hospitals. The Dominican Republic has faced scrutiny for its treatment of Haitian migrants, which has added complexity to the bilateral relationship [7459b099].
In response to these challenges, Blinken announced a $3 million investment through USAID aimed at workforce training and the development of industrial parks in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, he pledged $45 million in humanitarian aid for Haiti, reflecting a commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs stemming from the crisis [7459b099].
This meeting is part of a broader strategy to normalize relations between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, emphasizing cooperation on economic and security issues while navigating the sensitive dynamics of migration and human rights [7459b099].