US and Dominican Republic Discuss Regional Security Amid Haiti Crisis

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Dominican President Luis Abinader to discuss human rights, economic prosperity, and security, with a focus on the escalating crisis in Haiti. The discussions highlighted concerns over resources, Haitian migrants, and the mission led by Kenya to control gang violence in Haiti.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Dominican President Luis Abinader on Friday to discuss key issues including human rights, economic prosperity, and regional security. However, the escalating crisis in Haiti dominated the private talks.

Blinken arrived in the Dominican Republic for a one-day visit following his trip to Haiti, where he supported a UN-backed mission led by Kenya against rampaging gangs. Blinken updated Abinader on the mission's progress and heard concerns about resources and migrants overwhelmed by Haiti's crisis.

President Abinader expressed worries about the lack of resources for the mission and the surge in Haitian migrants affecting the Dominican Republic's schools and hospitals. Blinken noted improvements in Haiti with nearly 400 Kenyan police deployed to control gangs. Both leaders emphasized the need to normalize relations and improve security in Haiti. Announcing a USD 3 million investment to boost workforce training, Blinken also committed additional funds for Haiti.

(With inputs from agencies.)