Minister for the Americas visits Dominican Republic
Sir Alan Duncan discussed increasing opportunities for trade and cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean.
British Minister for the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan, visited the Dominican Republic from the 24 - 26 October, to develop the strong relationship between the two countries and highlight important areas for joint work.
To strengthen the UK’s response to transnational drug trafficking in the region, the Minister inaugurated a National Crime Agency counter-narcotics project in the Dominican Republic. This project is a proactive response to the growing threat posed to both the Dominican Republic and UK from cocaine trafficking and associated money laundering within the Caribbean region.
The Minister also participated in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) conference. At these events Sir Alan spoke of the importance of the Caribbean and Latin America to the UK, highlighting the opportunities for UK businesses and trade in the regions.
Over the three days, Sir Alan spoke with a number of Caribbean and Latin American Ministers and reconfirmed the UK’s support for countries in the region. With the Argentinean Foreign Minister Malcorra, he discussed the implementation of UK-Argentina Joint Statement following the improving relationship between the two countries.
The Minister expressed the UK’s condolences to all affected by Hurricane Matthew. Sir Alan also commended the Dominican Republic’s swift response and support provided to those affected by the hurricane.
Following the visit, Sir Alan said:
I was delighted to visit the Dominican Republic. This visit has proved to me just how much possibility there is for collaboration, coordination and cooperation between our countries.
Following the CELAC conferences, where I spoke with a number of Foreign Ministers and officials from across the Caribbean and Latin American regions, I am looking forward to strengthening these relationships further.
Hurricane Matthew wreaked devastation across the region, but I would like to commend the Dominican Republic on their response to all those affected. UK Department for International Development officials are providing support on the ground in Haiti, and in total, the UK has announced an £8 million package of assistance.