Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez has resigned from his post after six years leading the country's foreign policy in Santo Domingo.
President Luis Abinader appointed Víctor Ito Bisonó to replace Álvarez as part of several cabinet changes announced by the Presidency of the Republic on Sunday afternoon.
Following the acceptance of his resignation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as Mirex, Álvarez was appointed ambassador emeritus under Executive Decree 554-26. The appointment was made pursuant to Article 77 of Law 630-16, the Organic Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Service.
Álvarez had directed Dominican foreign relations since before President Abinader took office for his first term. Then President-elect Abinader announced on Twitter on July 10, 2020, that Álvarez would head the foreign ministry starting August 16 of that year.
Throughout President Abinader's two presidential terms spanning 2020 to 2024 and 2024 to 2028, Álvarez served as the sole foreign minister leading the nation's diplomatic service until his resignation.
Statements and Resignation Reaction
Following the official government announcement, Álvarez thanked President Abinader for the trust placed in him during his six years in office. He also expressed his gratitude to the team that accompanied him throughout his tenure.
In a statement published on X, Álvarez said that after presenting his resignation as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he thanked President Luis Abinader for the confidence placed in him over the past six years. He added that he retired from Mirex with the satisfaction of duty fulfilled and pride in the work accomplished.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs distributed a press release on Sunday acknowledging his tenure. Mirex stated that his management was marked by the strengthening of the foreign ministry and the Dominican foreign service, as well as a greater presence and strategic projection of the Dominican Republic on the international stage.
Background of New Foreign Minister
Víctor Ito Bisonó takes charge of Mirex after serving as head of the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings since January 2026. Before that role, Bisonó served as Minister of Industry and Commerce from August 2020 to January 2026.
Bisonó also brings extensive legislative experience to the position, having served as a congressional deputy representing the National District from 2002 to 2020.
Institutional Context
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation occupying the eastern portion of the island of Hispaniola. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headquartered in the capital of Santo Domingo, oversees international diplomacy and bilateral relations.
Under Dominican foreign service law, the rank of ambassador emeritus is conferred on former senior diplomats to recognize distinguished public service and retain their expertise within the diplomatic corps.
