No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsBusinessCosta Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís signs bilateral agreements with Panama’s Juan...

Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís signs bilateral agreements with Panama’s Juan Carlos Varela

Following a one-day official visit to Panama, Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís on Wednesday signed a series of agreements with Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela to develop a joint agenda on security, trade, immigration and tourism.

During a five-hour meeting the presidents agreed to meet again in coming weeks to outline the sharing of intelligence to combat contraband, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other organized criminal activities that affect both countries.

Solís said the two leaders also agreed to focus on stimulating trade and commerce along border areas to generate “wealth and prosperity” in traditionally poor regions. But he added that the two neighbors should fight a “frontal battle” against organized crime.

Varela said his administration has received intelligence that an increase in illicit activities in border areas by organized criminal networks is hurting local business.

Human rights also was on the agenda, as the two presidents thanked each other for supporting nominations at regional human rights organizations. Solís acknowledged Panama’s support of Costa Rican Elizabeth Odio Benito as a candidate for the San José-based Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Varela thanked Costa Rica for its support of Esmeralda Arosemena as Panama’s candidate for a post at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

The presidents also signed an agreement to develop a joint strategy to expedite customs procedures for the transit of people, goods and vehicles, as well as strategies for boosting tourism in both countries.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 Closing Event Bans Minors, Sparks Outrage

Costa Rica’s Pride 2025 closing event, set for June 29 at San José’s Plaza de la Democracia, was thrown into controversy when the government...

Celso Gamboa Allegedly Ran Drug Ring with Costa Rican Government Ties

Celso Gamboa, once Costa Rica’s Security Minister and a Supreme Court judge, now faces extradition to the U.S. for leading a major cocaine trafficking...

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel...

Costa Rica Surf Film Festival Honors ‘Pura Vida Bodysurfing’ with Top Audience Award

Pura Vida Bodysurfing is an award-winning short film that strips surfing back to its essence—riding waves without a surfboard. Filmed across Costa Rica’s legendary...

Retired Nicaraguan Army Captain Sentenced to 50 Years for Treason

A retired military officer was sentenced to 50 years in prison in Nicaragua for the crime of "treason against the homeland," his family denounced...

Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

I am 81 years old and have had teeth removed, bridges, and cavities fixed several times to sustain my ability to eat and function....
L. Arias
L. Arias
Reporter | The Tico Times |
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