The Embassy of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union successfully held the fourth edition of the “Strasbourg Soirée – An Evening of Rum and Cigars”, an evening of cultural diplomacy aimed at highlighting the excellence, tradition, and strategic value of the rum and cigar industries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The activity, held at the historic Château de Pourtalès in Strasbourg, brought together MEPs from various parliamentary committees, senior officials from the European institutions, representatives of sector associations, and members of the diplomatic corps. Guests were able to enjoy a careful selection of premium cigars and rums, as a living expression of the cultural, social, and economic heritage of our country.
During her opening remarks, Ambassador Joan Margarita Cedano, Head of Mission of the Dominican Republic to the European Union, highlighted that “cigars and rum from our countries are not only emblematic export products, but true expressions of identity, resilience and sustainable development in our communities.”
The diplomat also emphasized the importance of European policies recognizing the impact that certain regulations can have on our productive sectors, as evidenced by the recent revision of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the proposed reform of the Excise Duty Directive (TED). “The lack of adequate impact assessments and the limited inclusion of third countries in the consultation processes can compromise the balance between sustainability and development,” she stated.
“We respectfully request that consideration be given to the sectors and people who are an integral part of the economic and social fabric of countries like ours. By promoting a fair and inclusive dialogue, we can find solutions that benefit all parties,” he concluded.
For this fourth edition, the event featured the participation of the Embassies of Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru as co-hosts along with the Dominican Republic.
The fourth edition of this event was made possible thanks to the support of the European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA).
This event was part of a mission led by Ambassador Joan M. Cedano at the European Parliament headquarters in Strasbourg, during which an important agenda of meetings with MEPs was carried out, aimed at further advancing national interests in our relationship with the European Union.
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The Dominican Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union will continue to actively promote dialogue and advocate for fair conditions that guarantee sustained access of our products to the European market.
