A packed room at Brooklyn Borough Hall erupted in cheers Thursday as Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader arrived for his first official visit to the borough.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso welcomed Abinader as part of a celebration of the deep connection between Brooklyn and the Dominican Republic.

"We're just very happy that this is the first time the president of the Dominican Republic came to Brooklyn," Reynoso said.

Reynoso, the first New York City borough president of Dominican descent, received a plaque from Abinader recognizing his leadership and representation of the Dominican community.

Reynoso presented Abinader with a proclamation in return, declaring Sept. 24, 2026, Dominican Pride Day in Brooklyn.

Speaking in Spanish, Abinader told the crowd that he was proud of what Dominicans have achieved in New York. He also thanked them for continuing to support the Dominican Republic through investments, money sent home and help for their families.

Earlier in the day, Abinader met with Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Their meeting focused on the partnership between New York and the Dominican Republic, including work on emergency preparedness, disaster response and protecting communities from extreme weather.

A delegation of about 40 emergency management and public safety representatives from the Dominican Republic is also taking part in a five-day training summit in New York.

But inside Borough Hall, the visit felt personal.

"We're both from Brooklyn, born and raised, Dominican, and it's a very proud and happy day for us," Brooklyn residents Egaudy Gomez and Robin Reyes said.

That excitement stretched beyond Borough Hall.

At Cibao, a Dominican restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn, the owner welcomed Abinader and said the visit was a proud moment for the community.

"I'm happy that he's here representing us as a Dominican, and I wish him the best," said Tony Ramos, co-owner at Cibao

The celebration comes during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Reynoso estimates that more than 100,000 Dominicans live in Brooklyn. He said he hopes Abinader's historic visit strengthens the relationship between the borough and the Dominican Republic — and that it will not be the president's last trip to Brooklyn.