New York, United States. – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Álvarez, held a meeting this Thursday afternoon with Mr. Jack Christofides, appointed Special Representative of the Gang Suppression Force for Haiti (GSF), within the framework of international efforts to support Haitian authorities in stabilizing the neighboring country.
Foreign Minister Álvarez reiterated the importance of the GSF for restoring security in Haiti and expressed his hope that the force could be deployed as soon as possible. Both sides exchanged views on the force’s structure and the preparations for its deployment.
Mr. Christofides reported that the first GSF contingents will arrive in April, and that the full deployment of the Force is projected for October. He also confirmed that mission funding has been approved for a one-year period.
Likewise, Mr. Christofides expressed his gratitude for the Dominican Republic’s willingness to cooperate and announced his intention to make an official visit to Santo Domingo to meet with Dominican authorities once he formally assumes his duties in Haiti.
Minister Álvarez also held an exchange with Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), in which they discussed continued cooperation with the Dominican Republic, highlighting the importance of renewing BINUH’s mandate—which ends on January 31—as well as key aspects for responding more effectively to the current situation in Haiti.
The minister reaffirmed to both officials the country’s commitment to continue collaborating with the medical evacuations of GSF personnel and other logistical support from Dominican territory.
The chancellor was accompanied by Ambassador Wellington Bencosme, permanent representative to the United Nations; the minister counselor, Isabel Padilla; and the first secretary, Pablo Rodríguez.
