The summit between Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Chile President-elect José Antonio Kast signaled the beginning of cooperation in migration control, responsible mining, and infrastructure projects between the two Latin American nations. Meetings took place in Dajabón province, Dominican Republic, which served as the platform for talks centered on policies surrounding sustainable growth, social responsibility, and regional integration. After a weekend of official meetings and technical visits, the representatives of the Dominican Republic and Chile have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations moving forward by exchanging successful policy experiences.
“The activities developed during these days sought to promote exchanges of experiences and strengthen regional integration through meetings of officials and working visits to programs that serve as an example at the national level,” reads a press release issued by the Presidency of the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic: Chilean Visit Strengthens Bilateral Cooperation Like Never Before
Dominican President Luis Abinader hosted President-elect José Antonio Kast on Sunday as they began official talks, marking the first time the Dominican Republic and Chile have committed to working together on projects related to sustainability, economic management, and quality-of-life standards. For two days, officials met to discuss actionable takeaways concerning the economy, migration management, mining regulation, tourism, and education. In Dajabón province, the Dominican Republic and Chile signaled their intent to align policies focused on sustainability and social responsibility while also learning from one another.
Chile will adopt several migration control policies based on systems implemented by Abinader’s administration. Technical teams from Chile also requested knowledge on airport administration and the management of free trade zones.
Likewise, the Government of the Dominican Republic will share its procedural blueprint with Chilean counterparts in the areas of migration control, airport management, and free trade zones.
Migration Control and Responsible Mining in the Dominican Republic and Chile
The visit allowed officials to exchange perspectives on responsible mining techniques that wouldn’t compromise either country’s natural resources or the quality of life for its citizens living in mining regions. Kast stated that while mining is essential to Chile’s growth, it will not be expanded at the expense of natural resources or vulnerable communities. “There are mining value chains that do not necessarily affect a community negatively, but quite the opposite,” he said.
That said, he looks forward to using the visit with Dominican officials to both protect Chile’s most important ecosystems and uplift mining communities through just policy. Kast went on to reaffirm his commitment to what will be Chile’s new mining policies that center on workers and environmental protection.
Ahead of implementing stricter mining policies, Abinader explained that the Dominican Republic will not allow any mining exploitation in territories where communities have voiced their concerns or vulnerabilities. Going one step further, Argentina will provide Chile with regulatory procedures that adhere to international standards of innovation, quality control, and prevention.
Security and Border Control
Security was also discussed during meetings between the delegations from the Dominican Republic and Chile. Abinader and Kast toured the Beller Fortress and observed the binational wall that separates Dajabón province from Haiti. Touring the binational wall system allowed Kast to personally witness the technology and organization between institutions that allow for efficient border control.
“I hope that our team can study those technological systems because we don’t have that degree of control,” Kast said. He continued by saying that Chile will have to find a balance between managing migratory flow and humane treatment of migrants.
Speaking on migration specifically, Kast estimated that there are around 200,000 Haitians living in Chile and called for the country to reach a level of “full respect of migrant rights” while maintaining better-controlled borders. As such, he went on to announce that Chile will be implementing a “border shield” plan to help mitigate undocumented migration as soon as March of this year. Kast made it clear that Chile will be analyzing multiple international examples, as well as leaning on the success of the Dominican Republic model.
Investing in Economy and Trade
Dominican Republic officials have impressed Kast with the country’s ability to manage free trade zones and locally owned private airports. As Kast mentions, the Dominican state has managed to become a “reference of excellence regionally in the administration of its airports.”
In terms of the economy, Kast explained that Chile will be using similar systems to better compete in international markets, attract more investors, and diversify Chile’s economy. Trade between the Dominican Republic and Chile was also discussed with the view of expanding bilateral investment opportunities.
Dominican Republic officials took President-elect Kast on a tour of local projects that focused on infrastructure and water management. The projects shared with Kast include: La Vigía Canal waterway, which underwent $6 million in repairs to boost productivity for farmers and citizens who rely on the water source. Officials from Masacre, a nearby rural municipality, also explained the modernization of their river irrigation system. This project was previously funded by a $526 million grant and looks to improve Masacre’s agricultural growth and food security.
In the same manner, new social infrastructure was highlighted, including Ramón Matías Mella hospital and classrooms for the Francisco Javier Ureña Canela school.
Tourism was also brought to the table as Kast expressed interest in working with Dominican officials to reactivate bilateral committees. When speaking about the reactivation of said committees, Kast explained that tourism can act as a bilateral driver for economic development. Creating jobs in the tourism sector can also allow for better regional integration.
Additionally, Kast and officials spoke about the industry sector and the opportunity to share both nations’ knowledge on topics such as sustainability, attracting foreign investors, and technology transfer.
Education
Dominican president Luis Abinader also had the opportunity to speak to students from Colegio La Altagracia about regional integration, the visit with Chilean officials, and the importance of being informed about current affairs. Both students and teachers had the opportunity to interact with President Abinader and his delegation.
“I invite you to continue informing yourselves about sustainable development issues, because you are the great generators of change that our country needs,” said Abinader when addressing students.
Conclusion
The historic visit by Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast to the Dominican Republic marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, emphasizing sustainable development, responsible mining, migration management, and economic growth. By exchanging policy experiences, touring key infrastructure projects, and engaging in discussions on trade, education, and tourism, both nations have laid the groundwork for stronger regional integration and mutually beneficial partnerships. This unprecedented agenda reflects a shared commitment to social responsibility, environmental protection, and inclusive economic progress.