Costa Rica is celebrating the 200th anniversary of its independence on 15 September. The country is an important anchor of stability in Central America. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is receiving his counterpart Rodolfo Solano in Berlin on 6 September. Issues on their agenda include intensifying the partnership between Europe and Central America, the joint commitment to multilateral cooperation and overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.

Partners for sustainable action

Costa Rica is a pioneer in climate and environmental protection in many areas. Around one quarter of the country’s territory has been designated as a protected area. Costa Rica is actively committed to reforestation projects, which is why the Federal Government is giving it 10,000 trees as a gift to mark the 200th anniversary of its independence. Furthermore, Germany is lending its support to the country including via the Green Development Fund for the SICA Region. Costa Rica generates 98 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. Interest in a further expansion of cooperation in the global energy transition is therefore great.

Strengthening multilateralism together

Costa Rica is a close partner of Germany when it comes to strengthening multilateral cooperation. Both countries are working together as part of the Alliance for Multilateralism. Since May 2021, Costa Rica has been a member of the OECD, thus making it the first country in Central America to join the organisation. Germany is working with Costa Rica also at the regional level, for example in the International Contact Group on Venezuela. Important issues in the area of multilateral cooperation include climate protection, human rights and gender equality.