PARIS – Dominican President Luis Abinader convened a significant gathering with nearly 100 young Dominican expatriates in Paris, underscoring his administration’s dedication to enhancing diplomatic relations and support mechanisms for citizens residing in France. The meeting served as a platform for substantive dialogue on critical areas including educational advancement, artificial intelligence integration, cultural preservation, housing solutions, and political engagement.
In a major policy announcement, President Abinader revealed that authorities would conduct feasibility studies for establishing both an office of the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (INDEX) and a Dominican cultural center in France. These initiatives aim to foster deeper community integration and provide structured support for the growing Dominican population in the country, which currently exceeds 8,000 individuals according to Ambassador David Puig.
Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez detailed comprehensive reforms underway within the nation’s foreign service apparatus, designed to modernize diplomatic operations and improve consular services. The administration also highlighted existing support programs accessible to diaspora members, including the ‘Beca Tu Futuro’ educational scholarship initiative and various housing development projects in the Dominican Republic.
President Abinader concluded the engagement by reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to national development projects that improve quality of life both domestically and for overseas citizens, emphasizing the important role of the diaspora as ambassadors of Dominican culture and values.