By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo
“The Dominican Republic is ready, as well, for Korean investment in energy transition, for Korean services to decarbonize all sectors, for working together on creating a circular economy and for strengthening our defense and security,” said His Excellency Dr. Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Delivering a statement on the occasion of the 181st National Day Celebration of the Dominican Republic, which was held at the Ambassador Pullman Hotel in Seoul on March 6, Amb. Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo said, “That is why Dominican Vice-President Raquel Peña proposed a draft Strategic Alliance for Economic Security between the Dominican Republic and Korea during her ministerial visit of April 2023.”
Noting that never has it been more important for countries to work for their economic security, the ambassador said, “Korea's top foreign policy priority has in the Dominican Republic a natural partner, with its strategic geographical location, barely 9 days away by vessel to Europe and 1 hour and 45 minutes by plane from the US. With access on a free-trade basis to all surrounding markets, including the US and the EU. With a rich endowment of critical minerals, among which bauxite, copper, ferronickel, rare earths and zinc.”
Commenting that the Dominican Republic is very grateful for Korea's undying commitment to generating jobs for Haitians in Haiti, despite the insecurity, the governance challenges and the vast infrastructure needs, he said, “Korea's persistence as an investor in export-oriented manufacturing is a model for the rest of the world, for it is the only solution to migratory pressures, not only in Haiti but anywhere in the world.”
Amb. Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo added, “We in the Dominican Republic are also very grateful for Korea's generous support to Dominican economic development in so many areas over so many decades.
“From agriculture to reproductive health, from customs modernization to export diversification, from addressing the plague of sargasso algae invading Caribbean countries to supporting the energy transition, Korea deserves our sincere gratitude.”
Celebrating the 181st National Day of the Dominican Republic, Lee Jae-woong, spokesperson & deputy minister for public affairs of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered congratulatory remarks.
Over 600 guests, including foreign ambassadors and senior diplomats from the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Korea, Korean government officials and other local and international dignitaries, attended the gala event.
As a side event, the two groups of artists -- the Sundukwon Welfare Home Girls’ Choir and the Miracle Art Ensemble from the Dreamtree Welfare Home -- presented songs of the two countries.
