Encounter of Two Worlds

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

The Honourable Ambassador Jan Marten Willem Schalkwijk, Chair of the Permanent Council; Mr. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS); Mr. Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General; permanent and alternate representatives of the member countries of the OAS; representatives of the permanent observer countries; Ambassador Carmen Montón, of the Permanent Observer Mission of Spain.

The Dominican delegation wishes to thank Ambassador Montón, Permanent Observer of Spain, who has once again promoted the holding of this traditional special meeting of the Permanent Council to commemorate the five hundred and thirtieth anniversary of the “Encounter of Two Worlds”.

One more year we gather to reflect on the first arrival of a group of Spanish expeditionaries on our continent, on October 12, 1492, and in particular on our island, Hispaniola. There the city of La Isabela was founded, the first city of the Americas.

This historic moment marked a permanent difference in our region, its adversities included. Yet at the same time a bridge was created between the American world and the European, in which the hemispheric space has been opened to contributions to the history of humanity in the sciences, literature, culture, sport and development.

This is a day to contemplate and recall the cultural features that unite Latin America with Spain, so as to take our similarities as a foundation and keep reinforcing our close bilateral and hemispheric relationship with that country with a view to the future; and this without forgetting the diversity of each of our cultures, for their better understanding and celebration, and for a regional order based on respect for human rights, diversity and the principle of equality.

In our search to build a more resilient and inclusive society, it is important to the Dominican delegation to highlight the origins that characterize our culture. We Dominicans have indigenous, Spanish and African components that are deeply present in our people throughout history and are a source of great pride for the Dominican Republic, in social as well as cultural, economic and political respects.

This identity is reflected in all our daily activities, uniting us as a community nationally and internationally. This heritage created a solidarity around the Spanish language, the indigenous and African culinary arts, and music with African influences, evolving also in step with the cultural needs we share with other Caribbean and Latin American peoples.

We Dominicans have developed strong bonds of affection and history with Spain over more than five centuries. Today a great number of Dominicans see Spain as their home, while some Spaniards see the Dominican Republic in the same way.

The growing relationship with Spain, based on exchange and cooperation, has borne visible fruit in both countries. The Dominican Republic has had the support of Spain, which has invested in the tourism industry and in renewable energy, to name only some areas, throughout these years.

Ladies and gentlemen, Spain recently marked fifty years since joining this Organization as a permanent observer. Since then, Spain has supported democratic and institutional strengthening through electoral observation missions and humanitarian peace missions, has fought drug trafficking and abuse, has supported the inter-American human rights system and has cooperated in the management and prevention of natural disasters.

We have also heard today, from Ambassador Montón, of Spain’s initiative to contribute 20% of its drawing rights in support of vulnerable countries. Spain thus once again becomes an example of solidarity for the countries of this region.

The Dominican Republic has worked closely with the Permanent Observer Mission of Spain on various occasions, including a collaboration in March of this year with the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) for the presentation of the book “Ancestra”. This work makes visible and pays tribute to the lives of girls and women who have worked throughout their lives for equality, transforming history. This adds to the joint organization of the Seminar on the Economic Empowerment of Women, held during the Dominican Republic’s chairmanship of the Council in the second half of 2021.

We recognize these efforts by the Kingdom of Spain, in particular its continued financing of projects on human rights, gender equity and the empowerment of women. The active participation of the Permanent Observer Mission of Spain deserves our recognition and high regard, and we hope to continue strengthening the bonds of collaboration between our Permanent Missions.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.