He announced the construction of a Regional Training Academy against Drug Trafficking
SANTO DOMINGO– The French ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Sonia Barbry, highlighted the deep friendship that unites France and the Dominican Republic, emphasizing that it is a relationship based on shared values such as freedom, equality, fraternity, the defense of international law, the sovereignty of states, and dialogue between nations.
The diplomat highlighted the presence of more than 6,000 Dominicans residing in France and recalled that President Abinader's recent official visit to Paris strengthened trust between the two governments and reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together.
Barbry also emphasized that France has financed strategic projects for over two decades that positively impact the quality of life of millions of Dominicans. She indicated that, through the French Development Agency (AFD), more than USD 1.5 billion has been mobilized for initiatives in urban transport, drinking water, sanitation, energy, and territorial development, with plans to sign a new bilateral cooperation roadmap
He praised the close collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking, highlighting the joint work with the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), and announced the construction of a Regional Training Academy against Drug Trafficking, which will strengthen the training of specialists in the region.
The ambassador also highlighted the cultural, scientific and educational cooperation between the two nations, which includes the training of French teachers, scientific research projects, support for the arts and the upcoming signing of a new intergovernmental agreement on educational and cultural cooperation.
Bilateral strengthening
The Dominican Republic's Deputy Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy, Francisco Caraballo, stated that France and the Dominican Republic continue to consolidate a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future.
He noted that, in recent years, the bilateral relationship has been strengthened through political dialogue that has resulted in an increasingly broad and substantive cooperation agenda, aimed at addressing common challenges in areas such as development, sustainability, security, the fight against drug trafficking and regional stability.
He also expressed that both countries are working together for a stronger and more humane future, promoting projects that generate well-being for their people and reflect a shared desire to continue strengthening the relationship with a strategic focus, mutual respect, and a vision for the future.
National Day of France
The ambassador's statements were made during the celebration yesterday, Tuesday, of the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, a date that, every July 14, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the end of the absolute monarchy, which was attended by President Luis Abinader, accompanied by the first lady Raquel Arbaje.
The celebration was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, businesspeople, and special guests.
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