Dominican Republic Vice President urges Haiti to address its problems

Vice President Raquel Peña responded Monday to accusations that Haiti continues to attack the Dominican Republic on international stages, reiterating calls for the country to focus on resolving its own internal crisis .

"Imagine, they really have to deal with their own problem. We've also sounded the alarm throughout the international community to come to Haiti 's aid. But one of the first to realize what's happening at home is to be able to find solutions," Peña said when questioned by reporters.

The official emphasized that the Dominican Republic has fulfilled its duty to alert the international community about the situation in the neighboring country, reiterating that Haiti 's stability is vital for the entire region.

He said that, as Abinader pointed out in LA Semanal, Haiti must first acknowledge that it has a problem and not claim that the problem comes from other countries.

"That's the first thing you have to do, even on a personal level. When you have a situation, deal with it first, but don't blame your neighbor," he said.

The vice president's statements came one day after President Luis Abinader , during his speech at LA Semanal con la Prensa, also addressed the Haitian situation .

Yesterday, Abinader responded to recent statements by the Haitian government, which blames countries such as the Dominican Republic , the United States, and Colombia for the illegal arms and drug trafficking that fuels the violence in Haiti .

He made his position on the crisis in the neighboring country clear, stating: " Haiti is a problem for the region, we know it and we are protecting ourselves."

Raquel Peña spoke after participating in a meeting where the European Union , its member states, and the Pontifical Catholic Mother and Teacher University (PUCMM) held a discussion to highlight the strong relations between the European Union and the Dominican Republic .

The event was attended by the ambassadors of Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the European Union , who highlighted shared values, commitment to multilateralism, and the progress made since the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

It was highlighted that the EU was the main investor in the country during 2024, with more than $1.52 billion in sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation.

In addition, cooperation in areas such as regional security , defense, cultural heritage, and tourism diversification was reaffirmed, consolidating a strategic alliance based on common interests and mutual benefits.

TOPICS -