Nov. 4 (UPI) — The government of the Dominican Republic announced postponement of the 10th Summit of the Americas, originally scheduled for Dec. 1 to 5 in Punta Cana.
Officials said the continent is facing a “complex” political climate and “deep divisions” that make it impossible to ensure a broad, representative hemispheric dialogue.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued late Monday that the decision was made “after a careful analysis of the situation in the region.” The delay, the ministry added, aims to ensure participation from all governments and promote an atmosphere “of consensus and cooperation.”
The event, which brings together heads of state and government from across the Americas, will be rescheduled for 2026, though no new date has been announced.
The summit was expected to draw leaders from more than 30 countries to discuss democracy, trade, security and climate change.
However, the exclusion of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela from the preliminary list of invitees triggered diplomatic tensions and warnings from leaders that include Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, He said “Dialogue cannot begin with exclusions.”
The Dominican president’s government, backed by the United States, the Organization of American States and the president of the Inter-American Development Bank, avoided attributing the decision to political pressure, but acknowledged that the current climate “does not favor a productive exchange,” Listín Diario reported.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for the Dominican government’s decision to postpone the event.
In a post on his X account, Rubio said the United States will continue working with the Dominican Republic to plan a “productive event” in 2026.
“On behalf of the United States, we thank President [Luis Rodolfo] Abinader for his friendship and willingness to host the Summit of the Americas,’ Rubio wrote.
“We fully support the decision to postpone the summit and will continue working with the Dominican Republic and other countries in the region to plan a productive event in 2026 focused on strengthening partnerships and improving the security of our citizens.”
In addition to political tensions, the Caribbean experienced a more-active-than-usual hurricane season, which has disrupted logistics for several regional meetings.
“The Dominican Republic remains committed to the spirit of the Summits of the Americas and to strengthening hemispheric dialogue,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The postponement comes at a time of political realignment in the region, with several countries in the midst of elections or with newly installed governments, which — according to analysts — explains Santo Domingo’s intention to avoid a meeting marked by fragmentation.
The Foreign Ministry said resources already invested in organizing the event will be used for the 2026 meeting, which — according to officials — should take place “with the broadest possible participation and under conditions of regional stability.”
