At the conclusion of the visit to Israel of the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, Manuel Enrique Tavares Espaillat, a joint statement was issued in which the two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the nature of the bilateral relations between their two republics and their determination to further enhance them. Text:
In honor of the visit of the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, the two Foreign Ministers signed a joint statement. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is honored to announce that, in response to an invitation from the Government of Israel, His Excellency, Eng. Manuel Enrique Tavares Espaillat, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic visited Israel from 29 March to 2 April 1981, accompanied by Ambassador Dr. Horacio Bienvenido Vicioso Soto.
He was received by President Yitzhak Navon, and also met the Prime Minister, Mr. Menachem Begin, and other Israeli public figures.
The discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Mr. Yitzhak Shamir, took place in a friendly atmosphere and a variety of international political subjects and various aspects of bilateral relations were discussed.
The two sides mentioned with satisfaction the various possibilities involved in an exchange of culture, trade and technical knowledge between Israel and the Dominican Republic. They gave considerable attention to the different aspects in order to strengthen the traditionally friendly ties between the two countries. And in addition, agreed to take the necessary steps to increase cooperation and sign economic and commercial agreements in the near future.
The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic expressed his satisfaction with the peace process between Israel and Egypt following the Camp David agreements, agreements which can serve as a basis for a possible solution to the problems of the Middle East.
The two Foreign Ministers expressed their sincere hopes that this process would be joined by the rest of the neighboring states in the Middle East, in a spirit of cooperation and justice through direct negotiations, in order to consolidate a just and enduring peace in this region of the world - within secure and recognized borders on the basis of Resolution 242 passed by the U.N. Security Council in its November 22, 1967 session with the support of the Dominican Republic.
The two parties emphasized the excellent relations of friendship and understanding that prevail between the two countries.
The government and people of Israel once again express their profound appreciation to the Dominican Republic for its role in saving Jewish refugees during the Second World War.
In conclusion, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Engineer Manuel Enrique Espaillat expressed his full satisfaction with the warm and friendly reception he received from the Israeli people, and particularly thanked the Government of Israel for the attention received by his wife and the members of the delegation which accompanied him during his official visit.
The Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic invited the President of the State of Israel and the Foreign Minister of Israel to visit the Dominican Republic at a time appropriate to the two parties.