The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ricardo Merlo, met with Costa Rica Vice President of the Republic and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Epsy Campbell Barr, today at the Farnesina.
The cordial meeting confirmed the excellent bilateral relations between Italy and Costa Rica. The various aspects of bilateral cooperation and, in particular the transport and tourism sectors, were discussed. In this respect, the possibility to establish a direct air route between the two countries was considered.
The Undersecretary highlighted Italy’s focused attention on Central and Southern America, expressing his concerns about the socio-political crisis in Nicaragua and the humanitarian situation in Venezuela. Merlo said, “It concerns us greatly considering the presence of a large Italian community in the Country.”
These situations of instability have contributed to an increase in migratory phenomena in the Central-American region. Italy and Costa Rica agree on the importance of an integrated management of migratory phenomena based on the principles of shared responsibility and partnership between Countries of origin, transit and destination.
At the end of the meeting, Vice President Campbell invited Undersecretary Merlo to visit Costa Rica.
