As part of the EU’s efforts to strengthen relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, and to prepare for the EU-CELAC Summit to be held in Brussels in July this year, High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell will be in the Dominican Republic from 24-27 March.

On March 24 and 25 HR/VP Borrell will participate in the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit in Santo Domingo, seizing this occasion to meet with Latin American and Caribbean leaders. HR/VP Borrell will also meet with Dominican Republic representatives to discuss bilateral relations and the international agenda.

On 24 March, HR/VP Borrell will begin his visit by attending the opening ceremony along with Heads of State and Government at the Ibero-American Summit.

On 25 March, HR/VP will give a doorstep to media (broadcast on EbS) at 16:00 CET+/- upon arrival at the Summit, before addressing regional leaders where he is set to reiterate the EU’s readiness to build partnerships at all levels with the region, in particular in the areas of the digital and green transitions, economic, trade and sustainable development as well as boosting cooperation in the areas of energy and security.  The EU is the third destination for Latin American exports, and the first source of investment in the region. On the margins of the Summit, the HRVP will hold a number of bilateral meetings with counterparts from the region and meet with Dominican Republic Minister Roberto Álvarez Gil.

On 26 March, HR/VP Borrell will hold a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of the Dominican Republic, as well as with regional leaders, such as with President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, and President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves Robles.

The following day on 27 March, HR/VP will meet President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader and hold a press point (broadcast on EbS) at 16:30 CET +/-.

The HR/VP will later launch the EU-Dominican Republic political Dialogue and attend the official opening of the EU funded Latin American and Caribbean Cyber-Competence Centre with Minister of the Presidency Joel Santos.