India and Dominican Republic Vice Presidents Condemn Terrorism, Emphasize Climate Change Action in Bilateral Meeting

Introduction: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar of India and his counterpart, Vice President Raquel Pena Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic, have issued a joint press release following their bilateral meeting. In the statement, they strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasized the necessity of coordinated global action to combat terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach. The leaders also called for the swift finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.

Maintaining Regional Stability and Peace: Dhankhar and Rodriguez acknowledged the critical importance of regional stability and peace. They highlighted India’s participation in Haiti as part of the UN-led MINUSTAH (The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti) and stressed the significance of international support for the capacity building and training of Haiti’s police and security forces.

Commendation for G20 Summit and Global South Representation: The Dominican Republic Vice President extended her congratulations to India for successfully hosting the G20 Summit in Delhi. She expressed gratitude to India for amplifying the voice and concerns of the Global South and developing countries during its G20 Presidency.

Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Both leaders reiterated their commitment to addressing climate change, environmental issues, and sustainable development as high-priority matters. They expressed their willingness to collaborate in building resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. Dhankhar acknowledged the Dominican Republic’s perspective as a Small Island Developing State and its anticipation of the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.

Renewable Energy and International Solar Alliance (ISA): The leaders recognized opportunities for cooperation in the field of renewable energy, including participation in the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Dominican Republic conveyed its efforts toward early ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement, already signed by the country.

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Both sides looked forward to strengthening their engagement within the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). India serves as co-chair of CDRI, and the Dominican Republic represents Small Island Developing States in the Executive Committee for the 2022-2024 period.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Bilateral Relations: The leaders noted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Vice President Rodriguez’s visit to India between the Central Drug Control Organization of India (CDSCO) and the General Directorate of Medicines, Food, and Health Products of the Dominican Republic (DIGEMAPS). Additionally, an MoU was signed between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the National Institute of Oceanography of India (CSIR-NIO), and the National Authority for Maritime Affairs of the Dominican Republic (ANAMAR).

The visit of Vice President Rodriguez to India is significant as it marks the 25th year of diplomatic relations between India and the Dominican Republic, which were established on May 4, 1999.

Conclusion: The bilateral meeting between Vice Presidents Dhankhar and Rodriguez highlights their shared commitment to addressing global challenges, including terrorism, climate change, and sustainable development, while fostering cooperation and diplomatic relations between India and the Dominican Republic.