Culture Diplomacy: Dominican Republic Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo opened Latin America and Caribbean Week 2026 at UNESCO in Paris, spotlighting DR traditions like merengue, bachata, cassava bread (casabe), and UNESCO-inscribed community heritage. Tourism & Travel: The DR was named Special Guest Country at FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires (Sept. 26–29), aiming to expand beyond beach tourism into culture, wellness, and gastronomy. Infrastructure for Lifestyle: President Abinader inaugurated the 13.5-kilometer Enriquillo–El Higüero highway in Barahona to cut travel times and improve access to education and healthcare. Regional Partnerships: DR and Suriname elevated ties with visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas, plus new agreements on trade, agriculture, education, and air connectivity. Community Events: Jarabacoa’s Festival de las Flores runs June 4–7, blending eco-tourism with arts, flowers, and an international exchange with Medellín. Health & Aging: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics partnered to expand access to blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology, including in the Dominican Republic. Church & Language Access: The Archdiocese of Santo Domingo launched fully English-language monthly masses at the Metropolitan Cathedral for residents and visitors. Sports & Giving Back: David Ortiz’s Boston Heart Classic returned to raise support for children’s cardiac care in the Dominican Republic.