US strengthens ties with Costa Rica and Panama on economic and migration issues

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting on Wednesday with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo André, which served, according to statements by the U.S. official, to strengthen relations between the two countries.

“This is a testament to the very strong relationship and partnership between the United States and Costa Rica,” Blinken said during a public appearance while confirming that both would be attending the Partnership of the Americas for Economic Prosperity, a regional forum to address the main financial problems on the continent.

Blinken believes that this meeting was necessary to discuss the many issues that unite their countries. “We are working together for regional security, inclusive economic growth, the modernization of our economies and supply chains and, of course, dealing together with irregular migration in a way that is humane, as well as safe and orderly,” he said.

For his part, the head of the Costa Rican government’s foreign affairs portfolio stressed “how important it is to maintain a good relationship and a relationship of trust with the United States” in order to be able to discuss issues of interest between both nations.

“It is crucial for our region to develop the commercial, personnel and political aspects of the relationship on good terms, and for this reason I appreciate the continued support that we have received and are receiving from the United States in all commercial, personnel and political aspects of the relationship,” he said.

Costa Rica’s top diplomat once again expressed his gratitude for the White House’s “continuous support” in “all aspects of interest to our economies, our population and the prosperity of our people.”

Blinken also held a meeting with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, who has just taken office in the Central American government.

According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, the meeting “discussed a broad range of shared interests, including strengthening inclusive economic growth, promoting democratic governance and values, humanely managing migration, and combating drug trafficking.”

“The Secretary emphasized that cooperation in these areas creates the conditions for a more secure and prosperous future for our two countries and the region,” he said.

Along these lines, he highlighted “the importance of the partnership between the United States and Panama” and “welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 1 to support Panama’s efforts to safely and humanely repatriate irregular migrants without legal basis to remain in Panama.”

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