The Dominican Republic’s national holiday, Restoration Day (Día de la Restauración), was commemorated in Izmir on September 11, 2026, during a special reception that also marked the official opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Dominican Republic in Izmir.
Hosted by H.E. Elvis Antonio Alam Lora, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Türkiye, and Mr. Recep Özekinci, Honorary Consul of the Dominican Republic in Izmir, the reception was held at the garden of Arkas Mattheys Mansion and brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of public institutions and local authorities, business leaders, academics, and distinguished guests from the cultural and artistic communities.
During the ceremony, the importance of further strengthening diplomatic, economic, commercial, tourism and cultural relations between Türkiye and the Dominican Republic through Izmir and the Aegean Region was emphasized.
Honorary Consul Recep Özekinci highlighted the vision of the new Honorary Consulate as not only a point of consular support, but also an active bridge connecting the two countries through trade, investment, tourism, culture and people-to-people relations.
Ambassador Elvis Antonio Alam Lora described the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Izmir as an important step in strengthening relations between the Dominican Republic and Türkiye at the regional level. He emphasized Izmir’s strong industrial, port, commercial, tourism and entrepreneurial potential and the opportunities these sectors offer for developing new areas of cooperation with the Dominican Republic.
The reception also highlighted the historical and human ties between the two countries, while the Dominican Republic’s rich cultural heritage was celebrated through merengue and bachata performances.
The Honorary Consulate of the Dominican Republic in Izmir will work in close coordination with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ankara to provide support to Dominican citizens residing in Izmir and the Aegean Region, while contributing to the development of new economic, commercial, cultural and tourism partnerships between Türkiye and the Dominican Republic.
The opening in Izmir marks an important new chapter in the friendship and cooperation between Türkiye and the Dominican Republic, creating new opportunities for stronger connections between Izmir, the Aegean Region and the Caribbean.
