October 19, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada welcomed Victor Bisonó, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, to Canada. The visit, the first by a Dominican foreign minister to Canada in more than two decades, reflects the growing importance of the Canada-Dominican Republic relationship.  It also underscores both countries’ shared commitment to economic resilience, security, and democratic values.

The Ministers reaffirmed the strong ties between Canada and the Dominican Republic, underpinned by expanding trade and investment, vibrant people-to-people connections, and cooperation across the hemisphere. The Ministers discussed opportunities to further facilitate travel, enhance connectivity, and promote tourism and business exchanges.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to rules-based trade and welcomed opportunities to further strengthen commercial relations. They underscored the importance of a stable, transparent, and predictable environment for economic growth.  The Ministers also discussed advancing cooperation in priority sectors, including responsible mining and critical minerals, energy and clean technologies, agriculture, aerospace, STEM education, artificial intelligence, and transportation.

The Ministers welcomed the recent restoration of access for Canadian beef exports to the Dominican market and committed to continuing efforts to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

The Ministers welcomed the upcoming implementation of an affordable housing project in the Dominican Republic, supported through the International Finance Corporation’s GROW Initiative, a global platform to advance women’s leadership and economic participation. Canada has contributed C $100 million to the GROW Initiative, including US $5.5 million (approximately C $7.8 million) for this sub-project.

The Ministers exchanged views on regional security dynamics and reaffirmed their commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous hemisphere. They discussed the situation in Haiti, underscoring the importance of cooperation and support for Haitian-led solutions that advance security, democratic governance, and long-term stability in Haiti and the surrounding region.

The Ministers also discussed shared security challenges, including transnational organized crime and illicit trafficking. They committed to strengthening regional security cooperation, including through the conclusion of an aviation security cooperation arrangement.

The Ministers welcomed the momentum generated by this historic visit and committed to maintaining regular high-level dialogue and practical cooperation on shared priorities.  They expressed confidence that the Canada-Dominican Republic partnership will continue to grow, benefiting both countries and contributing to a more secure and prosperous hemisphere.

Quotes

“This visit marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between Canada and the Dominican Republic.

 As the Dominican Republic is our largest trading partner in the Caribbean, as well as a key regional security partner to Canada in the Americas, we look forward to greater cooperation on our economic relationship and in countering transnational criminal activity throughout the region.”

– The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada

“I would like to thank Minister Anand for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. This first official visit by a Dominican Foreign Minister to Canada in more than two decades is an important milestone, and I hope it will mark a new phase in our bilateral relationship. Building on 72 years of fruitful diplomatic ties and longstanding friendship, we have a strong foundation from which to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, regional security, and other shared priorities. I would be pleased to welcome Minister Anand to the Dominican Republic in the near future.”

– His Excellency Victor Bisonó, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic