Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister describes Morocco as a “partner” and a “bridge” to Africa and Europe

Speaking at a conference held at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences under the theme “Latin America in the era of global fragmentation: challenges and opportunities for Costa Rica,” Mr. André Tinoco stressed that the Kingdom of Morocco is “a partner that enjoys a unique strategic position and a major player” in the Arab and Mediterranean spheres, while also representing a platform for strengthening South-South cooperation.

The head of Costa Rican diplomacy noted that, in a world marked by divisions, “the need to build bridges beyond bilateral cooperation to connect multiple regions is becoming essential,” highlighting in this regard the opportunities available to Morocco and Latin America to establish stronger cooperation in trade, diplomacy, education, academic research, technology and culture.

Analyzing the situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. André Tinoco indicated that the fractures of the international system are looming over both regions, which are facing “long-standing challenges,” including “weak economic growth, deep social inequalities, fragile institutions, as well as the scourges of insecurity and organized crime.”

In a fragmented global context, “Latin America cannot afford to remain inactive,” he said, adding that “our strength will not come from predetermined alignments, but from collective work, strategic thinking, maintaining a commitment to dialogue, and building bridges with regions such as North Africa and countries like Morocco.”

Regarding Costa Rica, the minister highlighted his country’s resilience in the face of major challenges, similar to those faced by other nations, thanks to “investment in human capital, diversification of production, commitment to environmental sustainability and open, inclusive multilateralism.”

He also reviewed his country’s efforts toward economic openness, mentioning the conclusion of new free trade agreements with several countries, the launch of negotiations to join the Pacific Alliance, an economic integration bloc bringing together Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile, as well as the imminent completion of the process to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which includes countries from Asia, the Pacific coasts of the Americas, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which recently joined the bloc.

Moreover, Mr. André Tinoco called on students to contribute to strengthening ties between Africa and Latin America and to reflect on new forms of South-South cooperation, describing them as builders of intellectual, cultural and diplomatic bridges. He added that universities “are not merely places of learning, but spaces where the future of international cooperation is shaped.”

This conference is part of the visit carried out by Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to Morocco, during which he is expected to hold a series of meetings with several Moroccan officials.

Editorial team/le7tv