No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveCosta Rica reaches out to Cuba

Costa Rica reaches out to Cuba

 

The move, announced via a press release, comes after Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno hinted earlier this week that a rapprochement was possible.

In the announcement, Arias said he had arrived at the decision “carefully” and “responsibly.” Times change, he said, and “ Costa Rica needs to change with them.”

“The hour of direct and open dialogue, official and normal relations, has arrived,” Arias said. Formal ties, he added, “permit us to address our agreements and disagreements speaking head on and with sincerity.”

Costa Rica has not had formal ties with Cuba since then-President Mario Echandi cut off diplomatic relations with an executive decree in Sept. 1961. On Wednesday, Arias signed a new executive decree to reestablish relations.

Prior to Arias´ announcement, Costa Rica was one of only three countries in the Americas without diplomatic ties to Cuba, along with the United States and El Salvador. According to news reports, it is expected that Sunday´s election of left-leaning presidential candidate Mauricio Funes in El Salvador would lead to restored relations of that country with Cuba.

Arias said the two countries would announce ambassadors in the coming weeks.

“For now,” he said, “as the oldest democracy in Latin America, as the little country of peace, we are extending our hand to the Cuban people, and are sending by sea and air an olive branch to begin again the good work of building friendship.”

Trending Now

Climate Change in Costa Rica Devastates Coffee Farms in Los Santos

In Costa Rica’s Los Santos region, famous for producing nearly half the country’s coffee, farmers are reeling from heavy losses driven by wild weather....

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest...

Costa Rica’s Pride March 2025 Defies Restrictions and Celebrates Diversity

A large crowd gathered in Paseo Colón, San José, to participate in the LGBTIQ+ Pride March 2025. It began at noon, as people marched...

Costa Rica Green Hotels Lead Global Sustainable Tourism

Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism grows stronger every year, with our green hotels setting a high bar for eco-conscious hospitality...

An Expat’s Take: 5 Burning Questions About Life in Costa Rica Right Now

Have you been keeping up with the various events taking place in Costa Rica? There is always something interesting going down, and here are...

Costa Rica and Panama Seek Gold Cup Glory Against North American Giants

With no Caribbean teams advancing, a Central American contingent made up of Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala heads into the quarterfinals of the...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica