Encounter of Two Worlds

Thank you very much,

Mr. Secretary General,

Mr. Assistant Secretary General,

Dear colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honor for me, as Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the OAS, to address you at this commemoration, so significant both for the Spanish people and for all of us in the Americas who have been influenced by their rich and diverse culture. I especially thank the Ambassador of Spain, Her Excellency Carmen Montón, for her continued promotion of the ties that unite us.

Allow me to underline, with the utmost respect and impartiality, that the arrival of the Spanish in the Americas produced both opportunities and challenges. The aim of my remarks today, however, is to focus attention on the positive contributions of Spanish culture in our lands. This is not a matter of denying the complexity of our shared past, but of offering a fair and balanced recognition.

From the first encounters between the Spanish explorers and the original peoples of this continent, a unique relationship was forged that has left its mark on almost every aspect of our societies. The Spanish language, the traditions and the shared history have their roots in those historic moments which, though complex, gave rise to an unprecedented cultural fusion.

From the cultural point of view, the Spanish legacy is undeniable. The Spanish language, spoken today by more than 460 million of us around the world, serves as a bridge of communication and understanding among our nations. This common tongue allows us to converse, to collaborate and to share our respective experiences and perspectives more readily and with greater empathy.

The traditions and values handed down over generations, moreover, continue to nourish our culture and our institutions. Here I would highlight the influence of humanist philosophy and Roman law, inherited from Spain, which have been pillars in the construction of our legal systems and in the framing of our civil rights.

Art is another dimension in which Spanish culture has exerted a significant influence. From the paintings of Velázquez to the literature of Cervantes, Spain's artistic contributions have given rise to a rich creative tradition that has inspired many Latin American artists, writers and statesmen, such as our own Juan Pablo Duarte, founding father of Dominican independence, who was influenced by the ideas of the European Enlightenment.

In the economic sphere, Spain has been a key partner for many countries of the Americas. Investment and bilateral cooperation have generated employment, encouraged new ideas and contributed to sustainable development. The presence of Spanish companies in sectors such as energy, infrastructure and technology, among others, has had an important impact on our economies and on the well-being of our citizens.

Ambassadors,

Spain has contributed immensely to the Americas. All that I have mentioned is living evidence of that influence. But beyond the tangible aspects, it is crucial to recognize the positive impact that Spanish culture has had on our collective identity, teaching us the value of resilience and the importance of keeping our traditions alive.

The Spain of today, modern and diverse, reflects its capacity to adapt and evolve without losing sight of its rich history and traditions. I would like to stress the importance of the intercultural dialogue that Spain has promoted over the years. Spain is an example to follow, since the solidity of its democratic institutions and its commitment to cooperation, mutual understanding and respect have strengthened the ties between our nations.

All of this has laid the foundations for a lasting relationship between my country and Spain, based on trust and mutual benefit. Dear colleagues, Spain, with its rich diplomatic tradition and its commitment to democracy, is a beacon of leadership and example on our continent, which makes it a valued partner in both Europe and the Americas.

Miguel de Cervantes wrote in his immortal work “Don Quixote de la Mancha,” and I quote: “Trust in time, which is wont to give sweet outcomes to many bitter difficulties.” That Cervantine maxim resonates with particular eloquence in the context of the just and solidary agenda we seek to promote in the international sphere. In an ever more interconnected world, where the challenges of climate change, social inequality and political instability cross borders, the need for collective and solidary action is more pressing than ever.

The wisdom of Cervantes invites us to keep hope and to work with perseverance to build a more just and sustainable future, trusting that our actions today will lay the foundations for overcoming the “bitter difficulties” of the present. In this regard, the role of Spain within the European Union is especially relevant.

With the Presidency of the European Union, Spain has focused its efforts on advancing the reindustrialization and strategic autonomy of the European Union, accelerating the green transition and promoting social and economic justice. These priorities are not only aligned with the ideals of peace and sustainable development that we share in Latin America and the Caribbean; they also reflect a deep commitment to building a future that is more equitable and more respectful of the environment.

And so, in the tradition of Cervantes, Spain shows us that facing the challenges of the future requires both vision and action, and reminds us that time, if used with wisdom and courage, can indeed offer “sweet outcomes” to our most pressing global problems. On this day of celebration, then, we wish to express our deepest respect and admiration for the Spanish people and for their contribution to the cultural fabric of the Americas.

We invite everyone to renew our faith in the future and in our ability to build it together. With vision, humility and hope, and above all with unity and fraternity, we will be able to overcome the challenges of the present and forge a new path of progress for our region and the world. May the rich weave of our shared history inspire us to go on building a future together, based on mutual respect, collaboration and understanding.

Finally, allow me to say with unwavering fervor and enthusiasm that the Dominican Republic not only values and deeply appreciates its relationship with Spain, but is grateful for it and treasures it jealously as one of the most precious bonds in our diplomatic and cultural life. May this spirit of brotherhood and cooperation continue to light our common path toward new heights of understanding, prosperity and peace!

Thank you very much.