Santiago.- President Luis Abinader held separate meetings Wednesday with Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert Ramdin and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, discussing Haiti, democracy in the region, Nicaragua, economic growth and social policies.
The meetings took place during Abinader’s participation in the opening of the 41st Session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago de los Caballeros.
During his meeting with Ramdin, the OAS secretary general briefed Abinader on his priorities since taking office and the organization’s efforts to support initiatives led by the United Nations related to an international force to address gang violence in Haiti. He also presented the OAS action plan on the issue.
The two officials discussed the state of democracy in the region, including the situation in Nicaragua and OAS efforts to promote a return to democratic governance. They also addressed developments in Venezuela and the changing political situation in the country.
In his meeting with Bachelet, the former Chilean president congratulated Abinader on his ECLAC speech, particularly his emphasis on ensuring that economic growth translates into improved social conditions.
Bachelet shared experiences from social programs implemented during her two terms as Chilean president, including initiatives involving support for mothers, school attendance, student transportation and social assistance. The two also exchanged views on social policies and their role in reducing hunger and poverty.
