Bilateral meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica – H.E. Arnoldo André Tinoco

Rome – FAO Director-General QU Dongyu met today with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, H.E. Arnoldo André Tinoco, at FAO headquarters in Rome.

The Minister expressed his government’s intention to strengthen collaboration and partnership with FAO. He noted that Costa Rica has faced challenges due to the growing number of immigrants coming not only from other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, but also from other regions, highlighting the situation in the Central American Dry Corridor.

In addition, Minister Tinoco mentioned Costa Rica’s desire of having a GIAHS site related to coffee plantation and his country’s efforts to promote the sustainability of oceans and fisheries. He also noted that Costa Rica has increased its production of goods with zero deforestation.

The Director General recognized Costa Rica's success in transforming its traditional economy into a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. He highlighted that FAO has developed a long-standing strategy to promote sustainability in the Dry Corridor and noted that various stakeholders must work together, including the private sector and donor countries. Qu also highlighted that investing in aquaculture is an excellent way to preserve the oceans and marine life, as well as promote sustainable development.