SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. It’s a real pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Alvarez here to the State Department and to Washington. We have had a chance to spend a fair bit of time together in various meetings and on the phone, but it’s especially good to have him here in person. And I think it’s evidence of the very strong partnership between the United States and the Dominican Republic. We have a diverse, vibrant economy. I think we’re going to talk about, I think, the potential for even more investment and trade.
We are extremely appreciative of the leadership that the Dominican Republic continues to show, for example, in combating corruption, really setting a standard for many countries. And of course, we’ll have an opportunity to talk about Haiti and the work that we can do together to help find long-lasting solutions to the challenges that the Haitian people are facing.
So Roberto, welcome. It’s very good to have you. Lots to talk about; very glad to have you here.
FOREIGN MINISTER ALVAREZ: Well, thank you so very much, Secretary Blinken. It’s a great pleasure to be here with you today, and indeed, the Dominican Republic is a very close partner of the United States and we aim to strengthen our relationship even closer. The Dominican Republic is – has a robust democracy which strongly believes in human rights. And of course, we stand ready to work with the United States in terms of anti-corruption, anti-authoritarianism, and for democracy and human rights.
So thank you so much for this opportunity. It’s great to be here.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks. Great to have you. Thank you, everyone.
