Japan-Costa Rica Relations

On May 8, Ambassador on Special Mission NISHIMURA attended the inauguration ceremony of President Fernández, held at the National Stadium in San José, the capital. The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including H.M. King Felipe VI of Spain. Following the ceremony, Ambassador NISHIMURA participated in the courtesy calls on the new President by the heads of delegations from various countries, which were conducted at the Convention Center, and conveyed his congratulations to President Fernández. In addition, he attended the welcome reception hosted by the President at the same venue, and exchanged views with attendees from various countries.

During events related to the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador on Special Mission NISHIMURA had brief informal talks with former President Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (the new Minister of the Presidency and of Finance) and the new President of the National Assembly Jara JIMÉNEZ. He also held talks with the heads of delegations of various countries, including President Nasry Juan ASFURA Zablah and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mireya AGÜERO of the Republic of Honduras, President Isaac HERZOG of the State of Israel, President José Antonio KAST RIST of the Republic of Chile, President César Bernardo ARÉVALO de León and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro MARTÍNEZ of the Republic of Guatemala, Vice President Félix Augusto Antonio ULLOA GARAY of the Republic of El Salvador, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario LUBETKIN of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and co Foreign Minister Valdrak Jaentschke of the Republic of Nicaragua, during which they exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and these countries. Ambassador Nishimura also exchanged words with other participants from various countries.

On May 9, Ambassador NISHIMURA paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Tovar at Ministy of Foreign Affairs and Worship, and offered his congratulations on the Minister's assumption of office. Ambassador NISHIMURA stated that the two countries have developed friendly relations through high-level exchanges, economic cooperation, and collaboration in international arenas, and expressed his intention to further strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship under the new Fernández administration going forward. Ambassador Nishimura also extended his congratulations on the substantial conclusion of negotiations on Costa Rica's accession to the CPTPP, and the two sides agreed to promote cooperation within the CPTPP framework.

Foreign Minister Tovar, for his part, expressed appreciation for the bilateral relations to date and offered his gratitude for Japan's contributions to Costa Rica, stating his intention to continue working toward the further development of the bilateral relationship with a view to strengthening ties even further.