European External Action Service

11/23/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/23/2021 07:02

Joint press release: Costa Rica and the European Union conclude 5th round of Bilateral Consultations

On the occasion of the visit of the Costa Rican Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Christian Guillermet Fernández, the European Union (EU) and Costa Rica held a fifth round of annual Bilateral Consultations in Brussels. The meeting took place in a hybrid format with a virtual connection to San José and was co-chaired by the Vice-Minister Guillermet Fernández and the Managing Director for the Americas of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Mr. Brian Glynn,

The high-level exchange took place in an open, constructive and amicable atmosphere, reflecting the long-standing relationship between the EU and Costa Rica, as like-minded partners sharing the same values and many common interests. Participants discussed latest developments and issues of interest regarding bilateral, regional and multilateral affairs.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose important health, social and economic challenges both in Europe and in Costa Rica. Both parties updated each other and exchanged views on the considerable efforts made to address immediate health needs and on strategies towards a sustainable, inclusive and resilient recovery with digital and technological transformation.

A strong shared commitment to fight climate change figures prominently on the EU-Costa Rican agenda for action. In this regard, the outcome of the COP-26 in Glasgow and implementation of policy frameworks towards green transition were discussed. The EU and Costa Rica share the objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

An evaluation of the differentiated EU-Costa Rica cooperation partnership and a state of play on the EU's multi-annual programming process were shared. The wider agenda of the partnership between the EU and Costa Rica was also discussed. Both parties stressed the importance of a rules-based multilateral system and the promotion of common values and principles, such as democracy, rule of law and human rights.

The EEAS and Costa Rica exchanged views on their expectations for the upcoming EU-Latin American and Caribbean Leaders' Meeting on 2 December, which illustrates a shared interest in strengthening the bonds between the regions.

The two sides also took stock of the Central American integration process and the state of play of the implementation of the trade pillar of the EU-Central America Association Agreement. Particular attention was also paid to shared concerns regarding migration and democracy in the region.

Overall, the Bilateral Consultations provided the space to identify converging positions and interests on various subjects of key importance, including possibilities for continued cooperation and joint action.

Costa Rica and the EU agreed to hold the sixth round of Bilateral Consultations in San José in 2022.