Santo Domingo.- In a recent meeting, President Luis Abinader discussed the Haitian crisis’s impact on the Dominican Republic with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He noted the strain it places on migration, health and education systems.
In a press briefing, he shared that about 6.5% of Dominican Republic students, approximately 147,000, are Haitian. Haitian migrants make up 14% of hospital stays and 34% of public hospital births. According to him, this is unique in global health systems.
The President voiced concerns over the rising migration pressure from the crisis. This pressure affects public services and creates security risks. He underlined the necessity for more assistance from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MCS). He also stressed the need for resources to boost the UN trust fund and extend the MCS mandate in October.
Abinader reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s willingness to collaborate with the U.S on regional security and stability, despite some differing viewpoints.