U.S. Ambassador Hans H. Hertell and New York Governor George E. Pataki Praise U.S.-D.R. Relations

19 February 2002

U.S. Ambassador Hans H. Hertell and New York Governor George E. Pataki Praise U.S.-D.R. Relations

SANTO DOMINGO – “Today we celebrate together, the Dominican Republic and the State of New York, the visit of Governor George E. Pataki,” declared the United States Ambassador, Hans H. Hertell, at the lunch in honor of the Governor which was offered today, February 19^th, by the Ambassador in his residence. “We celebrate when a company like Citibank inaugurates another office in the Dominican Republic, benefitting our two economies, and when the State of New York and the Dominican Government sign an education agreement which benefits both societies,” the Ambassador continued.

Speaking at the luncheon, Governor Pataki emphasized the “immense” contribution of Dominicans to the “economic, cultural, and social life” not just of New York City but of that of other regions of New York State as well, like Buffalo and Rochester. The Governor declared that he will do everything he can to improve the already excellent relations between the Dominican Republic and the United States. He pointed out his “personal support in favor of trade liberalization,” in order to “strengthen bilateral trade.” He also declared that he would like “to communicate to the 18 million of ( his) fellow New Yorkers about the riches of your beautiful country and the warmth and hospitality of its people,” in order to “rebuild tourism.”

During his two-day visit to Santo Domingo, the Governor and his delegation met with President Hipólito Mejía, attended a dinner in their honor sponsored by the President, attended a luncheon given by Monseignor Agripino Núñez, met with families of the victims of the World Trade Center and Flight 587, met with Father Rogelio Cruz, visited the Cristo Rey Low –Income Dining Hall, and paid a visit to the Cruz Jiminián Clinic and Foundation.

Governor Pataki´s delegation included Dr. Antonia Novello, the Motor Vehicle Department Commissioner of the State of New York, Ray Martínez, New York State Senators Ron Stafford and Efraín González, Jr., New York State Assemblymen Adriano Espaillat, José Rivera, Darryl Towns, and William Boyland, Mr. Fernando Mateo, Mr. Adam Lindemann, Mr. Mario Paredes, Father Brian Jordan, Dr. Ramón Tallaj, Dr. Juan Estévez, Dr. Cándido Norberto, Dr. Mercedes Torres, Dr. José Goris, and Mr. Federico Colón.

The guests at the luncheon hosted by Ambassador Hertell included the Secretary of State for Foreign Relations, Dr. Hugo Tolentino Dipp, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Rafael Suberví Bonilla, other high level officials of the Dominican Government, leaders of the Dominican and United States business communities, and important members of the communications media.