SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The congressman representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos visited the Dominican Republic to participate in meetings focusing on topics such as trade and national security.

Congressman Ryan Mackenzie traveled to the Dominican Republic this past weekend as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation, according to a news release from Mackenzie’s office.

Mackenzie met with Dio Astacio, the mayor of Allentown’s sister city, Santo Domingo Este.

Mackenzie’s office says the United States enjoys a large trade surplus with the Dominican Republic, and the two countries are partnering to combat illegal trafficking in the Caribbean.

The visit featured a packed schedule of meetings with Dominican officials and lawmakers, according to the news release.

These included a breakfast with President Luis Abinader, a dinner with U.S. Ambassador Leah Francis Campos, a bilateral meeting with leaders of the Congress of the Dominican Republic, and meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Roberto Alverez Gil and other members of the President’s cabinet, Mackenzie’s office says.

Mackenzie met with Dio Astacio, the mayor of Allentown’s sister city, Santo Domingo Este.

Mackenzie’s office says the Lehigh Valley is home to a large and growing Latino community, with a total population of about 150,000, including 35,000 Dominicans.

Congressman Mackenzie serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees, as well as the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee.

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (FL-21) and Reps. Ami Bera (CA-6), Bill Huizenga (MI-4), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Michael Baumgartner (WA-5), Jefferson Shreve (IN-6), and Randy Fine (FL-6) also traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of the delegation, according to the news release.

“The Dominican Republic is not just a neighbor, it is an essential economic and strategic partner,” said Congressman Mackenzie.

“Our bipartisan delegation appreciated the opportunity to meet with dozens of Dominican officials and lawmakers with whom we share critical interests on topics like trade, economics, and national security. These meetings offered us the chance to gain important insights on key issues, and strengthen ties between our two nations. I especially enjoyed meeting with the mayor of Allentown’s sister city, Dio Astacio of Santo Domingo Este, to discuss the Lehigh Valley’s strong cultural bonds with the Dominican Republic.”

“Our nation’s ties with the Dominican Republic have never been more important,” said Congressman Mackenzie.

“The Dominican Republic is an important trading partner for our nation, and they stand on the frontlines in the fight against trafficking. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee and Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I look forward to future cooperation between our two nations as we work to strengthen our economic ties and disrupt cartel operations. Thank you President Abinader, Amb. Campos, the American diplomatic staff, and all of the Dominican lawmakers and officials for their hospitality and dialogue. We look forward to working together to build the relationship between our nations and support our local Dominican community.”

“As the relationship between the United States and the Dominican Republic continues to grow, we appreciate the efforts by members of Congress to engage with local leaders,” said U.S. Ambassador Leah Francis Campos.

“We look forward to working alongside congressional lawmakers to enhance our economic and security cooperation with the Dominican Republic. Thank you to Congressman Mackenzie and his colleagues for their commitment to this essential partnership.”