Relations between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, today have new supports in the form of collaborative projects originating from the third high-level bilateral dialogue. Prime Minister of Haiti, Laurent Lamothe (left.), and President of the Dominican Republic Gustavo Montalvo, led their respective delegations to the third high-level bilateral talks, which are strengthening relations between the two countries. The meeting which took place in a hotel in the southeastern tourist zone of Juan Dolio, came as a continuation of talks held in January 2014 - part of what both countries described as a historic process of strengthening of bilateral relations. In the presence of observers from Venezuela and international organizations, both countries agreed to continue and extend discussions for the benefit of mutual development in various sectors. The final declaration of the talks emphasized that "major decisions have been adopted to ensure a promising future, to bring more jobs, more health, more security, more economic prosperity and more opportunities for both peoples." The document was read by Prime Minister of Haiti, Laurent Lamothe and President of the Dominican Republic, Gustavo Montalvo, who led the delegations from their respective countries in both the preceding and most recent discussions. "In order to ensure continuity and institutionalization of this joint working agenda, both sides agreed to mandate the Joint Bilateral Commission for the monitoring and implementation of all agreements signed and to be signed in the framework of this bi-national high-level dialogue." Both nations signed a new trade agreement with the intention of developing a favorable economic environment. As in previous meetings, which took place from January-February 2014, in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, and Jimaní, Dominican Republic, regulations regarding the flow of migrants and documentation of nationals from both countries were addressed. Haiti announced the introduction of an identification and documentation program for its citizens in the Dominican Republic, including the participation of civil society and a substantial reduction in the cost of issuing a passport. The Dominican Republic meanwhile, reported on advances made in the development of the legalization plan for Haitians in irregular situations. Both countries addressed the need to cement an extradition agreement, which will allow fugitives seeking refugee in either country to be prosecuted. In addition to consolidating the agreements, the future exploration of collaborative possibilities in areas such as the development of micro, small and medium businesses, transport, food security, culture and combating poverty was also proposed. Representatives from the private sector of both countries issued a joint statement in the context of the Quisqueya Business Summit discussions, initiated in August 2013. Among the most important points outlined in the document was the proposal to form a work commission in order to harmonize phytosanitary and environmental standards and norms. In addition, the private sector called on both governments to work quickly to ratify the mechanisms of harmonization of customs tariffs taking into account current regional trade agreements. It also called for the creation of a group to promote bi-national investment, led by Montalvo, Lamothe and ministers of Economy, Finance and Trade. (PL)
