Foreign CS Statement on Dominican Republic and Kenya Diplomatic Agreement
Prime and Foreign CS Musalia Mudvadi Statement on Dominican Republic And Kenya Diplomatic ties Agreement.
As part of the official visit to the Dominican Republic, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, held the first political consultations with the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, H.E. Roberto Álvarez, in Santo Domingo.
The two leaders discussed topics of mutual interest, including trade, security, cultural exchange and cooperation in the context of the implementation of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti. The MSSM, which Kenya is leading, was established by the United Nations Security Council through Resolution 2699 of October 2, 2023.
Their excellencies noted that the situation in neighboring Haiti severely impacts the security of the Dominican Republic and other neighboring Caribbean nations, and that it is the responsibility of the international community to restore peace and stability to Haiti.
During this meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dominican Government expressed its gratitude to the Republic of Kenya for solidarity with Haiti and leadership of the MSSM, which is a cornerstone and anchor in the efforts to restore security to the Republic of Haiti. Dr. Mudavadi expressed the Government of Kenya’s gratitude for the support of the Dominican Republic to the MSSM.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi and Minister Álvarez noted the achievements realized by the support of the MSS Mission to the Haitian National Police, enhancing their capacity and confidence to enforce law and order with the backing of the Haitian people.
While acknowledging that this was a mission possible, the two leaders expressed concern that the personnel engaged in the mission has been operating without all the necessary equipment and logistical support. In this regard, they underlined the need for urgent action to correct the situation, calling on the international community to fulfill their pledged contributions, and even increase them, to enable the MSSM to operate at its full capacity
Their Excellencies noted that the transformation of the MSSM into a hybrid mission, currently under consideration before the UN Security Council, is necessary and urgent. This would provide sustainable logistical and operational support in a predictable manner. They urged the international community, particularly countries in the region, to remain consistent in advancing this proposal.
The political consultations culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Medical Evacuation, Repatriation of Wounded Persons and Bodies, and Logistical Access to the Dominican Territory of Kenya Members of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi stated that the MoU is a testament to the commitment by the Kenya Government to supporting the MSS Mission while taking necessary steps, including establishing evacuation protocols, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kenya’s personnel in Haiti.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the Dominican Republic in the MSS Mission, which highlights the importance and value of nations coming together to achieve sustainable peace in the region for the greater good of humanity,” he said.
Minister Álvarez said the MoU represents a genuine commitment to those who risk their lives to achieve a safer future for Haiti and the region.
“We are deeply satisfied to have provided medical care to about 20 MSS members, offering them the respectful, dignified and compassionate care they deserve for their exemplary courage and sacrifice in support of a brotherly nation and regional security,” he said.
Their Excellencies also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training for cooperation and exchange between the Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic and the Foreign Service Academy of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi and Minister Álvarez expressed their interest in continuing to strengthen bilateral relations through the future opening of embassies in Nairobi and Santo Domingo.
The Kenyan delegation included Amb. Dr. Monica Juma, National Security Advisor; Everlyne Mwenda Karisa, Ambassador-designate to the Dominican Republic; Mercy Odongo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Cabinet Secretary; Peter Warutere, Secretary for Strategic Communication; Musa Machooka, Secretary for Government Programmes and Projects Delivery; and Patrick Nzusi, Minister/Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Kenya in Havana.
The Dominican delegation included Deputy Ministers Francisco Caraballo, Rubén Silié, Hugo Fco. Rivera, and Opinio Díaz; Dominican Ambassador to Canada accredited to the Republic of Kenya, José Blanco; Legal Director, Boni Guerrero; Director of Strategic Studies and Analysis, Anselmo Muñiz; Acting Director for Relations with Africa and the Middle East, Alixandra Morel; and Brigadier General Mao Enua Gómez, head of the Ministry’s Security Department.
As part of his official agenda, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi will hold meetings with His Excellency Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic; Senate President Ricardo de los Santos; Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre; Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah; and Minister of Industry and Commerce, Víctor Bisonó.
Jacob Ng’etich
Director, Press Services
Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs