QCOSTARICA — On Friday, March 22, Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves, received at Casa Presidencial, Gina Raimondo, US Secretary of Commerce, and Laura Richardson, Commander of the US Southern Command.
The bilateral meeting was to announce important cooperation in terms of security, the financing of four scanners, as well as the investment in training and tools to combat drug trafficking that the Chaves administration has been undertaking.
In commerce, the roadmap to develop the semiconductor industry in Costa Rica was presented, turning Costa Rica into a strategic ally for the US in that sector.
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Following is an official statement made Laura Richardson.
“It is an honor to be in your beautiful country once again and to be part of this important visit for Costa Ricans.
“Secretary Raimondo and I came today because economic security is national security. And we are here to announce and discuss more exciting ways for Costa Rica and the United States to partner to secure global supply chains.
“President Chaves and I have spoken about Costa Rica’s collaboration in the shared fight against drug trafficking and the Herculean efforts that this government is making to increase security and prevent drug traffickers from using the country’s ports.
“We continue to work hard and quickly to mitigate these security challenges. At President Chaves’ request for port scanners, I intend to allocate funds for more port scanners for Costa Rica, to assist with this bold effort. And this request has received extraordinary support from the United States Congress and I am happy to make this announcement today.
“I am also working with the State Department to develop a comprehensive and extensive port strategy for Costa Rica, to assist President Chaves in this goal of scanning 100 percent of cargo shipments entering and leaving the country.
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“In addition to port scanners, this strategy includes investments in training, infrastructure and the tools necessary to counter the flow of narcotics and stop this criminal activity.
“These efforts demonstrate the power of the Costa Rican partnership and the US team.
“Our aggressive efforts to improve security for Costa Ricans are based on our shared values and our common goal of creating a safer, more prosperous and democratic region.”
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