Newly appointed Foreign Minister Víctor "Ito" Bisonó has defined the defense of national interests as his main priority in the Dominican Republic.
In a message addressed to staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as Mirex, Bisonó stated that his administration will prioritize protecting national interests, strengthening international alliances, and building closer ties with diplomatic personnel posted overseas.
Bisonó assumed leadership of the ministry after being appointed by President Luis Abinader under Executive Decree 554-26. He was officially sworn into office on Monday by Vice President Raquel Peña, succeeding Roberto Álvarez, who led Dominican foreign policy for six years.
The Dominican Republic, a Caribbean nation sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, manages its diplomatic network through Mirex from its headquarters in the capital, Santo Domingo.
Focus on institutional experience and agility
In his address to ministry employees, Bisonó highlighted the institution's existing staff as one of its primary assets. He stated that his team is taking over a more professionalized institution with accumulated experience that they value and intend to build upon.
Addressing global challenges, the newly appointed minister described the current international landscape as complex and constantly changing. He asserted that this environment requires an agile, strategic, and close Foreign Ministry capable of defending national interests, identifying new opportunities, and delivering concrete results for the Dominican Republic.
Bisonó outlined an administrative strategy based on active listening, open communication, and the practical application of institutional experience, while maintaining an openness to innovation and modern approaches to international affairs.
Direct communication channels for overseas personnel
A central pillar of the minister's strategy involves strengthening connections with Dominican diplomats and official representatives serving abroad. Bisonó stressed that geographic distance must not translate into institutional distance, noting that all foreign service members remain part of a single team representing the country.
To facilitate direct communication, the minister announced that a dedicated QR code system has been established. The tool allows foreign service staff around the world to send comments, operational ideas, and policy proposals directly to his office.
Bisonó affirmed that his goal is to maintain a two-way communication channel across the ministry, ensuring that both established institutional knowledge and new proposals for operational improvement are valued.
