Ambassador Andy Rodríguez Durán Presents Credentials in Saudi Arabia, Marking a New Era for Dominican Diplomacy in the Middle East
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – In a significant diplomatic event, Andy Rodríguez Durán, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Saudi Arabia, officially presented his letters of credence to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, representing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The formal ceremony took place at the esteemed Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Dominican foreign relations in the Middle East.
Ambassador Rodríguez Durán is the first resident Dominican ambassador in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with concurrent accreditation to Oman, Bahrain, and Djibouti. During the ceremony, he conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President Luis Abinader and expressed the Dominican government’s commitment to strengthening bonds of cooperation and friendship with Saudi Arabia.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed the new ambassadors to the Kingdom, extending greetings on behalf of the King and expressing hopes for their success. He emphasized the Saudi government’s aspiration “to strengthen and develop the relations between their countries and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Expanding Dominican Presence in the Gulf and Beyond
Since arriving in Riyadh in March 2024, Ambassador Rodríguez Durán has pursued an active agenda, initiating high-level meetings with major Saudi authorities. These efforts align with the Foreign Policy Program of President Abinader and instructions from Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, aiming to enhance the Dominican Republic’s positioning in the Middle East and the region.
Key objectives of the ambassador’s agenda include promoting tourism, attracting foreign investment, and stimulating both commercial and cultural exchanges between the Dominican Republic and the Gulf countries. The embassy’s proactive approach underscores the strategic value placed on the region by the Dominican government, as it seeks stronger bilateral and multilateral ties.
A Multilateral Diplomatic Gathering
The credentials ceremony also saw ambassadors from numerous countries present their credentials, including Belgium, Ireland, Thailand, Bulgaria, Kuwait, Germany, the European Union, Iran, non-resident ambassadors from Slovenia, Austria, Jordan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Georgia, Algeria, Albania, Kenya, El Salvador, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Argentina, Kazakhstan, China, Ecuador, Congo, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Seychelles (non-resident), Netherlands, Norway, Romania, France, Estonia (non-resident), and Italy.
With this pivotal diplomatic engagement, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its intention to foster cooperation, develop new partnerships, and increase its visibility and influence in the dynamic context of the Middle East.
Team V.4-LKDN-UAE
