Diplomatic ties with Dominican Republic established

KABUL and the Dominican Republic established diplomatic relations at the level of non-resident ambassadors on Saturday.

An agreement to the effect was signed in Kabul between Deputy Foreign Minister Abdul Hai Haidar and Dominican ambassador to India Hans Dannenberg.

Haidar said the agreement on diplomatic links with the Dominican Republic — a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region — was signed based on a decision between the presidents of the two countries.

Diplomatic relations would help the nations develop economic cooperation. The Dominican Republic is a major tourist draw, attracting about four million tourists annually.

Haidar said the Dominican Republic was ready to provide scholarships for Afghan students next year.  About 16 Afghan students are currently studying at a medical institute in that country.

Diplomatic relations with Afghanistan were very important, Dannenberg said, hoping the ties would grow with time and translate into strong trade cooperation.

frm/mud