Dominican Republic: Abinader Strengthens Strategic Alliance with the United States

President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, took part in the “Shield of the Americas” summit, organized by Donald Trump and held in Florida, bringing together several heads of state from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meeting sought to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against organized crime, narcotrafficking networks and transnational criminal groups.

At the end of the summit, participating leaders supported the creation of a Coalición Anticárteles de las Américas, a regional initiative designed to coordinate actions against drug cartels and other criminal organizations operating across the hemisphere.

On his social media platforms, Abinader highlighted the Dominican Republic’s willingness to align with U.S. economic, political, military and technological strategies. He also thanked Trump, describing the relationship between the two countries as historic and emphasizing their continued cooperation.

Beyond the fight against cartels, cooperation between Santo Domingo and Washington extends to several strategic sectors.

In the field of security and defense, the Dominican Republic has authorized the United States to use certain airspace areas for logistical operations linked to Operation Southern Spear, aimed at strengthening regional security coordination.

On the technological front, plans include the development of an international digital port in partnership with Google, as well as the installation of a submarine cable connecting the Dominican Republic with the U.S. states of South Carolina and Virginia. The project’s initial investment is estimated at around $500 million.

In the industrial sector, the country is also seeking to integrate semiconductor supply chains through a national strategy and potential agreements with Purdue University.

Cooperation also extends to energy and space projects, including discussions on sustainable development initiatives and the announcement of a future commercial spaceport in Oviedo, in the province of Pedernales, in partnership with Launch On Demand, with an estimated value of $600 million.

The Dominican president also reiterated his opposition to Nicolás Maduro and his support for democratic governance in Venezuela.

Despite the strengthening of strategic ties, the Dominican Republic continues to be affected by a 10 percent tariff policy imposed by Washington, which impacts certain exports and the country’s free trade zones.

Soraya Ades.