EU-Costa Rica hold their third High Level Dialogue

20.11.2019
Brussels

On 19 November 2019, in Brussels, the European Union and Costa Rica held their third High Level Dialogue to strengthen the two parties' political dialogue and cooperation, as well as to discuss their bilateral relations and current international policy. The meeting helped identify points of convergence and promote joint action in regional and multilateral fora.

Both delegations expressed their appreciation for the excellent results of this High Level Dialogue, which pointed to the solid relationship between the two parties and led them to identify converging positions on several key issues, also taking into consideration the priorities of next European Commission. The parties underlined the importance of the consolidation of democracy, peace and security, climate change, international cooperation and the strengthening of multilateral institutions and bodies. These principles are a central component of both parties’ foreign policy.

The two delegations reiterated the importance of maintaining high-level contacts and regular political consultations. They further welcomed the active agenda of meetings and reciprocal visits carried out over the last year, including the meeting held between the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, and both the President of the Republic of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado and the Foreign Minister, Manuel Enrique Ventura Robles, on 6-7 May 2019 in San José.

The two sides underlined their shared values and principles applied in international relations and stressed they have been traditional allies in the multilateral area and in the region. They agreed to follow up on joint projects and initiatives in the area of development cooperation and sustainable development.

Furthermore, this meeting provided scope for a constructive dialogue and exchange on shared geopolitical priorities and approaches to address challenges in both regions, including Brexit. In particular, they discussed regional integration in the framework of the Central American Integration System (SICA), as well as the state of play of the EU-Central America Association Agreement. 

The two sides also referred to issues of common interest at regional and international level. They expressed their deep concern about the political, economic and social crisis in Nicaragua and agreed that the impacts of such a crisis in Costa Rica should be addressed jointly by the international community.

In this sense they also agreed on the need to address the crises in Latin America and the Caribbean. They reiterated their support for the work of the International Contact Group for Venezuela.

Finally, the two sides underlined their commitment to continue defending and strengthening the rules-based multilateral system, especially at the United Nations. They discussed cooperation on human rights in multilateral fora and addressed progress in climate change negotiations, in view of the next UN climate change conference, and also discussed issues related to gender equality.

The European Union and Costa Rica welcomed the significant progress made during this dialogue and committed to further develop the bilateral relationship, and agreed to hold next political consultations in 2020 in San José, Costa Rica.

The meeting was chaired by the Managing Director for the Americas at the European External Action Service Service(EEAS), Ms Edita Hrdá, and Costa Rica's Vice-Minister for External Relations, Ms Lorena Aguilar Revelo.