Dominican Republic Seeks Support to Create Agribusiness and Energy Funds

During his participation in the Central American Integration System Summit (SICA), Minister of Foreign Relations, Carlos Morales Troncoso, said President Leonel Fernández will seek support from his counterparts to create a Food and Energy Crisis Fund which he himself has proposed to the Organization of American States (OAS).

“In addition to the fact that President Fernández inspires respect, he has been invited by various presidents to attend meeting because of his prestige,”

In an interview with reporters prior to leaving El Salvador’s San Isidro Airbase, Mr. Morales Troncoso called the SICA meeting one of the most important, not just for the Dominican Republic but for the entire hemisphere, according to the President’s Office of Information, Press and Publicity.

He added that small nations should join together to look for solutions to their mutual problems. He said the Dominican president will seek support from other members in an effort to create funds for agribusiness and energy, that there had been such requests made several weeks ago.

Morales Troncoso said President Fernández was invited by Brazilian President Luz Inácio da Silva and other heads of state.

“In addition to the fact that President Fernández inspires respect, he has been invited by various presidents to attend meeting because of his prestige,” he noted.

The Foreign Minister said while the President’s visit to El Salvador is short, it is very important, not just for the DR but for the entire Caribbean region, Central America and the Western Hemisphere.

He said the president will discuss these topics today and tomorrow during the meeting and will be returning on Thursday.

In addition, the Minister of Economy, Planning and Development Temístocles Montás spoke with reporters and said the President Fernández will meet with President Lula da Silva to discuss the possibility of Brazil selling oil to the Dominican Republic at favorable prices.

The Integration System is comprised of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama as sitting members, the Dominican Republic as an associated state and Spain, Mexico and Taiwan as observers.