Strengthening strategic cooperation ties between the Dominican Republic and New York
President Luis Abinader held a key meeting with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, with the goal of deepening the strategic alliance between both jurisdictions. This collaboration focuses primarily on emergency management, the strengthening of critical infrastructure, and advanced technical training for Dominican response personnel.
The meeting represents a decisive step in following up on the agreements established during Governor Hochul’s visit to Dominican soil last November. Both authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sharing resources, technologies, and specialized knowledge to mitigate the effects of extreme weather phenomena.
We are working on several programs, especially regarding emergency and disaster response. There is a very special relationship with New York, where more than a million Dominicans and descendants of our nation reside.
Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic
Dominican delegation receives specialized training
As part of this work agenda, a delegation of 40 Dominican representatives in emergency management and public safety is participating in a training summit at the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) in Oriskany. The program, which runs from September 21 to 25, covers critical areas such as:
- Urban search and rescue techniques using drones.
- Critical infrastructure protection protocols and post-earthquake inspections.
- Advanced emergency communications and public alert systems.
- Hazardous materials management and operational well-being of response teams.
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the importance of leveraging New York’s experience in disaster management to apply it for the benefit of the island. Likewise, the state leader expressed her commitment to the development of environmental initiatives, exploring avenues of technical assistance for the sanitation of the Yaque del Norte River through the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Commitment to the Dominican community
President Abinader took the opportunity to thank the New York administration for its support of the diaspora, underscoring his own personal connection to the migration process. For her part, Governor Hochul expressed her concern regarding current immigration policies, emphasizing the importance of protecting Dominican workers and entrepreneurs who are fundamental pillars of the economy and society in New York.
The meeting was attended by Congressman Adriano Espaillat, the Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New York, Jesús Vásquez Martínez, and the Executive Director of the New York State Bridge Authority, Minosca Alcántara, who agreed on the relevance of this alliance for the well-being of both communities.
