Santo Domingo (TDI):Â The Dominican Republic and France today mark 173 years since the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1852. The occasion highlights the continuity of bilateral relations that have spanned political, economic, educational, and cultural engagement.
France was among the first European nations to recognize the Dominican Republic following its declaration of independence in 1844. Official diplomatic relations began in 1852, laying the foundation for cooperation in several areas over the following decades.
Trade remains a significant pillar of the relationship. According to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in 2023, trade in goods between the two countries amounted to €361 million.
France exported €181 million worth of goods to the Dominican Republic, primarily pharmaceuticals, mechanical equipment, and agri-food products.
In return, the Dominican Republic exported €180 million worth of goods to France, including tropical fruits, tobacco, and textiles.
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France is also a contributor to development projects in the Dominican Republic, working through institutions such as the French Development Agency (AFD), which has supported initiatives in renewable energy, water sanitation, and climate resilience. In 2021, AFD’s active portfolio in the Dominican Republic totaled €135 million.
In the education sector, French language instruction is promoted through bilateral academic agreements and the presence of Alliance Française centers in multiple Dominican cities. Approximately 10,000 students were enrolled in French language programs nationwide as of 2023.
Several Dominican students also pursue higher education in France through scholarships facilitated by the French government and Erasmus+ programs.
Tourism also plays a role in the relationship. France remains one of the top European sources of tourists to the Dominican Republic. In 2023, over 250,000 French nationals visited the country, according to data from the Dominican Ministry of Tourism.
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To mark the 173rd anniversary, events are scheduled in both countries, including a public lecture series on Caribbean-European relations, film screenings, and institutional visits aimed at reinforcing academic and diplomatic ties.
Both governments have reiterated their interest in continuing collaboration on multilateral platforms, particularly in areas such as climate policy, migration, and regional security.
The commemoration reflects the consistency of bilateral engagement, shaped by changing regional dynamics and mutual policy interests over more than a century and a half.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
