New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on campaign visit to Dominican Republican, Puerto Rico

In this photo released by the Dominican Republic presidential office, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, center, arrives to the presidential palace to meet with President Danilo Medina in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. Cuomo is making campaign visits to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, returning to New York late today. (AP Photo/DR presidential office) (The Associated Press)

In this photo released by the Dominican Republic presidential office, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, left, poses for a photo with President Danilo Medina at the presidential palace in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. Cuomo is making campaign visits to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, returning to New York late today. (AP Photo/DR presidential office) (The Associated Press)

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has taken his campaign for a second term to the Caribbean, with stops in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Following a meeting Friday with Dominican President Danilo Medina, Cuomo said he wants to encourage closer international ties and will return on a trade mission if he wins re-election next month.

Cuomo noted the growing political and economic power of Dominicans living in New York and said it's a positive trend for both places.

Cuomo plans to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Friday afternoon before heading home.

More than a million New Yorkers are of Puerto Rican or Dominican heritage.

Cuomo has said he'll lead trade missions to several nations to increase foreign trade.

Cuomo faces Republican Rob Astorino in next month's election.