Above: Dominican Republic Minister of the Presidency Gustavo Montalvo

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Looking to boost bilateral cooperation, the Dominican Republic has sent an official delegation to nearby Puerto Rico.

The delegation’s visit this week follows up on an agreement between Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina and Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, who met during the latter’s visit to the Dominican Republic last month.

As part of that agreement, the two sides agreed to develop, within 60 days, a work programme on “issues of common interest,” in the framework of the Dominican-Puerto Rican Bilateral Joint Commission.

That commission, established less than two months ago, has made “steady progress” in reviewing opportunities for collaboration on issues like trade, investment, agriculture, higher education and security, according to a statement from the Dominican government.

“Our efforts seek to deepen and formalize the ties that bind us, for the mutual benefit of our peoples, and evaluate possible agreements to present to the two [sides’] leaders,” said Dominican Minister of the Presidency Gustavo Montalvo, who is leading the nine-member delegation.

The two sides will meet all day on Monday in Puerto Rico.