Spanish President says Dominican Republic is Priority for Spain

The Dominican Republic is a priority for Spain in terms of cooperation, Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero said on Tuesday.

“We are going to continue with this commitment of support for development that Spain has with the Dominican Republic, which in 2008 reached $23 million dollars. We are going to continue with this commitment,”

Following a private audience with Dominican President Leonel Fernández who is on a state visit to Spain, President Rodríguez Zapatero reiterated Spain’s commitment to cooperation, collaboration, understanding and friendship with the Dominican people, according to the President’s Office of Information, Press and Publicity.

As a demonstration of the strong links established through a harmonious relationship between the two countries, Zapatero cited the a large investment made by Spanish businesses in the Dominican Republic.

During President Fernández’s visit to Spain, there has been a renewal of cooperation agreements and development assistance, said Rodríguez Zapatero to the Dominican president and officials accompanying him.

Rodríguez Zapatero referred to the mutual commitments between the two governments in development programs and policies aimed at combating poverty and social inequalities.

“We are going to continue with this commitment of support for development that Spain has with the Dominican Republic, which in 2008 reached $23 million dollars. We are going to continue with this commitment,” said the Spanish leader.

Referring to the memorandum of understanding signed at the official visit, Zapatero said “there needs to be definitive progress to conclude a mutual agreement in order to avoid double taxing in line with the G-20 agreement.”

Finalizing his message, Rodríguez Zapatero talked about the valuable support offered by the Dominican community in Spain, adding that a debt of gratitude is in order for their effort, support and work .

Zapatero asked Fernández to be the spokesperson to his hardworking compatriots and carry the message of gratitude from the Spanish government.