Canadian Secretary of State Visits Costa Rica

Helena Guergis, Canadian Secretary of State for Foreign Relations and International Trade Nov. 7 paid a visit to Costa Rican Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno and his Vice-Minister Edgar Ugalde. The leaders talked about bilateral and regional issues and reflected on the bonds of friendship and cooperation that have traditionally tied Costa Rica and Canada, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

They also talked about the recent election of Costa Rica to the U.N. Security Council, free trade in Latin America and the possibility of sharing positions on several multinational forums.

Broader topics they discussed included international peace and human rights.

Stagno also took advantage of the meeting to talk to Guergis about Costa Rican initiatives including the Costa Rica Consensus, a plan developed by President Oscar Arias to reward developing countries for spending on social programs rather than weapons, the statement said.