<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Spain, Juan Bolívar Díaz Santana, accompanied by his wife, Ada Wiscovitch Carlo, held a farewell reception in collaboration with the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (INDEX).</strong></h4> The diplomat said that his four-year term, from February 2021 to February 2025, was of great significance in his professional work and that his greatest achievement was to comply with the foreign policy agenda of President Luis Abinader, focused on three fundamental axes: protection of Dominicans abroad, promoting exports, investments and tourism, and defending the principles of international law and human rights. He also expressed his gratitude to the Spanish government and people, highlighting the deep historical and cultural connection between the two nations. “The relationship between Spain and the Dominican Republic, between our governments and our peoples, is very cordial and mutually beneficial,” he stressed. He added that “it has been a great privilege to represent our country here during this time, in which we have met so many exceptional people and made many friends. In addition to having had the opportunity to visit practically all the provinces and shared with the Dominican community in almost every corner of this magnificent territory.” “The time has come to hand over to my successor, the intellectual Tony Raful, who will soon assume the post of ambassador in Madrid and for whom I ask for the same friendship, generosity and collaboration that you have given me during all these years,” said the journalist, who will continue his diplomatic service as ambassador to Mexico. The meeting was attended by prominent Spanish personalities and representatives of the Dominican community, including the Consul General in Madrid, José Marte Piantini; the Consul in Barcelona, Antonio Gómez; the Consul in the Canary Islands, Katia Castillo; and the partner of Financial and Commercial Law of the ECIJA Law Firm, Polibio Valenzuela, who gave the space of his law firm for the celebration of the event. Likewise, the director of the Dominican Ballet in Europe, Héctor Farías, gave a speech in which he highlighted the contribution of Ambassador Juan Bolívar to culture in Europe; while the illustrator Taína Almodóvar thanked him for his career by presenting him with a special Menina painted exclusively for him and Clara Valverde, a member of the community, presented an annotated edition of 'Don Quixote de la Mancha'. Also distinguished with their presence were Juan Luis Cebrián, José Bono, Arturo de las Heras, Jeanette Alfau, Crismeydi Ureña, Pedro Álvarez (husband of the late Bernarda Jiménez), Neivy Tolentino, Yely Bidó, Julio Castro, Javier Ruiz, Themys Caraballo, among other important members of the Dominican and Spanish community. In his long professional career, Diaz Santana has been a renowned journalist, political analyst, columnist and writer. He was one of the founders of the Dominican College of Journalists and vice-president of the Latin American Association of Journalists. In 1993 he was a founding member of the civic movement Participación Ciudadana. He also served as ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Peru and Bolivia from 1984 to 1986. <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-108263" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Republica-Dominicana-Juan-Bolivar-2.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="422" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-108267" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Republica-Dominicana-Juan-Bolivar-4.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="422" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-108261" src="https://thediplomatinspain.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Republica-Dominicana-Juan-Bolivar-1.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="422" />
