The Diplomat
In a moving ceremony held at the Italian Embassy, the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, Tony Raful, was awarded the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy, one of the highest distinctions bestowed by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in recognition of exceptional merits in promoting friendship and international cooperation.
The decoration was presented on behalf of the Italian President by the Italian Ambassador, Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi, who highlighted Tony Raful’s outstanding career not only as a diplomat but also as an academic, poet, and public servant. “His visionary leadership and commitment have positively impacted multiple areas, from legal diplomacy to scientific and cultural cooperation. The bilateral relationship between Italy and the Dominican Republic has been strengthened thanks to his leadership,” said Ambassador Buccino.
During his tenure as Dominican Republic Ambassador to Italy from 2020 to 2024, Tony Raful consolidated significant progress in the bilateral relationship, standing out for his active, results-oriented diplomacy. Among his most significant achievements is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Establishment of the Political Consultation Mechanism in 2021, which initiated a structured dialogue between the two countries and facilitated cooperation in areas such as diplomatic training, culture, and gastronomic diplomacy. He also led the launch of the First Dominican Satellite Mission, in partnership with the Italian-Latin American Institute, opening new frontiers in science and technology for the country.
In the academic and scientific fields, Raful promoted the creation of the Dominican Republic’s first Doctorate in Earthquake Engineering, strengthened educational programs such as STEAM, and fostered health diplomacy through partnerships with the University of Bologna. In the cultural field, he promoted numerous initiatives, including an agreement for the loan of archaeological artifacts, including the emblematic “Cemí de Algodón.”
His administration demonstrated a project-based diplomacy approach, transforming the friendship between the two nations into concrete opportunities for the human, scientific, and cultural development of the Dominican people. “Ambassador Raful’s career has left a profound mark. That is why he deserves such a high distinction as the Star of Italy,” said Ambassador Buccino.
In his acceptance speech, Tony Raful highlighted the value of this distinction as a symbol of the profound friendship between two nations united by history, culture, and commitment to human development. “This star that I am honored to wear today represents not only a personal recognition, but a celebration of diplomacy as a transformative tool, capable of opening paths in education, science, health, and culture,” he stated.
Raful also expressed his gratitude to President Luis Abinader for the trust placed in him to represent the country abroad, as well as to the diplomatic team that accompanied him during his mission in Rome and to all the Italian institutions that were part of the bilateral cooperation process, recalling that “diplomacy is valuable to the extent that it improves people’s lives.”
The Order of the Star of Italy is a prestigious distinction that recognizes foreign figures or Italians residing abroad who have distinguished themselves by strengthening Italy’s ties with the world, promoting cooperative relations in all areas.