On a Sunday earlier this month, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader touched down in Rome, Italy, kicking off a high-stakes multi-day European tour that centers on global food security efforts and deepening bilateral diplomatic and economic ties. He was joined on the trip by First Lady Raquel Arbaje, who will accompany him through the full schedule of official engagements.
The cornerstone of Abinader’s Rome itinerary is the 2026 World Food Forum, a major global convening hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Ahead of his featured speaking slot at the forum, the Dominican leader is set to hold a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings. His meeting schedule includes audiences with Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, as well as talks with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu and other top FAO leadership.
A key highlight of the World Food Forum will be formal recognition of the Dominican Republic’s progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. The country has cut the national prevalence of undernourishment to less than 2.5%, a landmark achievement that positions it as a regional leader in food security action. Beyond policy discussions, Abinader will also take part in two cultural moments at FAO headquarters: the official inauguration of the new Dominican Republic Hall, and the donation of an original artwork by acclaimed Dominican creator Juan Trinidad to the FAO Museum’s permanent collection.
Abinader’s Rome agenda also extends beyond food security and FAO business, with a full slate of diplomatic meetings with top Italian government officials. He is scheduled to hold talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. These discussions will lay the groundwork for the Italy-Dominican Republic Business Forum, an event Abinader will attend that is focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations.
Midway through his European trip, Abinader will travel to Prague, Czech Republic, to take part in the 30th Annual Forum 2000 Conference, a leading global dialogue focused on democracy and global cooperation. After wrapping up his engagements in Prague, he will return to Rome to complete his remaining meetings ahead of the forum’s closing ceremony on Friday, October 16.
The closing event of the 2026 World Food Forum will feature a special cultural tribute to legendary Dominican singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra, honoring his iconic folk song “Ojalá que llueva café en el campo,” which centers on rural life and agricultural livelihoods. Award-winning Dominican vocalist Maridalia Hernández is also set to perform at the ceremony. Following the close of the forum, Abinader and his delegation will depart Rome to return to the Dominican Republic the same day.