Dominican Republic

The governments of the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Ecuador jointly condemned Iran’s seizure of the Panamanian-flagged vessel MSC Francesca in the Strait of Hormuz and called for its immediate release. According to the governments’ joint statement, the ship—owned by an Italian company and flying the Panamanian flag—was intercepted by Iran while transiting through the strategic waterway. The three countries demanded the release of both the vessel and its crew, while urging an end to actions that threaten free navigation in international waters. Officials described the incident as a violation of international law and a challenge to the principle of freedom of navigation, which is protected under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They argued that Iran’s actions undermine Panama’s rights as a flag state and […]

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader visited ongoing construction work on Avenida República de Colombia as part of a government project aimed at improving traffic flow and mobility in the National District. The infrastructure initiative, valued at nearly RD$12 billion, is being financed through funds from the Aerodom contract and includes land expropriation costs. During the inspection, President Abinader was accompanied by Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella. Officials explained that the project targets one of the capital’s most congested traffic corridors and is designed to improve transportation efficiency and residents’ quality of life. Some U-turn sections along República de Colombia Avenue toward La Monumental have already been opened as part of the progress. The works include the construction of a bridge over a ravine linked to a tunnel system, creating a […]

Puerto Plata.- The Dominican Republic continues efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for La Isabela through international cooperation and technical research. As part of this process, Turkish archaeologist Harun Özdaş conducted a specialized visit to the historic site to contribute expertise in underwater cultural heritage and strengthen the nomination dossier. The visit included representatives from the Turkish diplomatic mission, such as Ambassador Emriye Bağdagül Ormancı, alongside Dominican cultural heritage officials. Authorities emphasized the importance of submerged archaeological remains linked to La Isabela, viewing underwater heritage as a key element in demonstrating the site’s outstanding universal value. Founded in 1493 during the second voyage of Christopher Columbus, La Isabela was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. The site contains archaeological evidence from the earliest stages of colonization, including […]

Santo Domingo.- The Senate of the Dominican Republic approved on first reading a bill aimed at regulating real estate intermediation and misleading advertising to improve oversight of property transactions and reduce fraud in the sector. The proposal, introduced by Senators Rafael Barón Duluc, Félix Ramón Bautista, and Eduard Alexis Espiritusanto, seeks to establish ethical and transparent standards for the promotion, marketing, and execution of real estate transactions. The legislation is intended to protect buyers, tenants, agents, and agencies while supporting orderly development within the industry. Under the bill, misleading advertising would include any commercial communication that may mislead consumers about property features, availability, pricing, sales conditions, or delivery terms, in line with Law 358-05 on Consumer Protection. The measure excludes private owners selling their own properties directly and legal professionals […]

Santo Domingo.- The foreign ministers of the Dominican Republic and Guatemala signed a memorandum of understanding to create a Political and Business Forum aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, expanding trade, and encouraging investment between both nations. The agreement was signed by Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez Alvarado. The forum will provide a platform for dialogue between government officials and private sector representatives to identify business opportunities, improve market access, and promote joint investment initiatives. The mechanism will also support the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices related to trade facilitation, commercial promotion, and investment incentives. Meetings are expected to take place annually, alternating between both countries, with a dedicated working group overseeing follow-up actions and coordination. Officials from both nations highlighted the initiative […]

Santo Domingo.- Tourism Minister David Collado and U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Leah Campos toured several historic and cultural sites in the Colonial City on Thursday to highlight the area’s tourism appeal and local heritage. The visit began at Parque Duarte, where exhibitions and tastings showcased Dominican products and handcrafted items. During the stop, both officials sampled traditional refreshments such as chilled treats and coconut water while viewing artisan pieces made from amber and larimar. The delegation later visited emblematic locations throughout the Colonial City, which attracts around 8% of the country’s tourists. The tour included Calle Billini, Calle Isabel la Católica, the Convento de los Dominicos, Plaza Tirso de Molina, Iglesia Las Mercedes, Plaza de España, Plaza San Antón, and the Museo Fortaleza de Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic reported a decline in secondary school dropout rates, which fell from 6.3% in the 2020–2021 academic year to 5.7% in 2024–2025. The improvement reflects stronger student retention efforts and greater system support to keep students enrolled throughout the school year. Education authorities said the reduction is linked to targeted strategies focused on addressing the main causes of school dropout, supported by a national education roadmap designed to strengthen student retention and academic continuity. According to Education Minister Luis Miguel De Camps, improving school retention remains a key pillar of education policy. The ministry has prioritized initiatives aimed at expanding access, improving education quality, and providing greater support for students during their academic journey. The ministry also highlighted improved promotion rates […]

Santo Domingo.- The United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic shared information about the weather alert issued by the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center due to adverse conditions affecting several regions of the country. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) placed the provinces of Puerto Plata and Espaillat under red alert as heavy rainfall and storm activity continue to impact those areas. Additional provinces remain under yellow and green alerts, including the National District, as authorities monitor the effects of ongoing weather conditions. The U.S. Embassy advised residents and travelers to stay informed through official Dominican government emergency channels, monitor weather updates, and remain alert to possible traffic disruptions and flooding caused by persistent rain.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Embajada EE.UU. en Rep. Dom. […]

Santo Domingo.- Following International Earth Day, Ágora Mall reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by sharing updated results from its environmental management initiatives, including a 12% reduction in electricity consumption and a 40% decrease in water use over its 14 years of operation. Through its “Together We Are Green” platform and environmental management system, the shopping center has recycled more than 4.2 million pounds of waste, helping keep materials out of landfills and reducing environmental impact. These actions have also prevented the emission of nearly 794,000 cubic meters of CO2, strengthening the mall’s position as a sustainability leader in the Dominican Republic. Since opening in 2012, Ágora Mall has accumulated energy savings of more than 28.3 million kWh and conserved over 810,000 cubic meters of water through efficiency programs. Recycling efforts […]