(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Closer relations between the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are a priority for both parties, but more “follow through” work needed to be done to advance the process, President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Leonel Fernandez said.

During a courtesy call on CARICOM Secretary General, His Excellency Edwin Carrington, at CARICOM Headquarters, Georgetown, Guyana on March 3, President Fernandez said closer ties with Caribbean countries and with CARICOM in particular are high on the Dominican Republic’s international affairs agenda.

In its new economic development paradigm, the Dominican Republic needed to work closer with CARICOM, especially within the context of trade with the European Union, he said.

Secretary General Carrington indicated during a brief exchange that though difficulties may arise with regard to modalities and time frames, the future of integration in the Region included the Dominican Republic.

President Fernandez’ visit to the Secretariat at the conclusion of the 19th meeting of the Rio Group in Georgetown came as CARICOM and the Caribbean Forum of African Caribbean and Pacific countries (CARIFORUM) are preparing to merge Secretariats in Georgetown. The visit also follows the decision by the Heads at their recently concluded 18th Inter-sessional Meeting to establish a Task Force to consider closer relations between CARICOM and CARIFORUM. The 15-member CARIFORUM comprises the independent CARICOM Member States and the Dominican Republic.

Mr. Carrington noted that President Fernandez now chairs the Rio Group and urged him to consider, during his tenure as head of the 20-member grouping, how the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean could further integrate.

President Fernandez’ delegation to the Secretariat included Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Minister His Excellency Carlos Morales Troncoso, and Her Excellency Ambassador Clara Quinones, Under Secretary of State. Deputy Secretary General Her Excellency Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, Assistant Secretary General Human and Social Development Dr. Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary General Foreign and Community Relations, His Excellency Ambassador Colin Granderson, and Assistant Secretary General Regional Trade and Economic Integration, His Excellency Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, accompanied the Secretary General.