President Rodrigo Chaves and President-elect Laura Fernández plan to attend a high-level summit in Florida next month, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The gathering, set for March 7, focuses on regional security threats like drug trafficking and organized crime.
Chaves shared details during his weekly press conference on Wednesday. He described the event as “Escudo de las Américas,” a U.S.-led initiative to shield Latin America from dangers such as narcotrafficking and targeted killings. “President Donald Trump invited a small group of Latin American colleagues to meet with him in Florida, at one of his hotels,” Chaves said. He added that Fernández would join him and sit at the main table with leaders from about 12 to 13 countries.
The summit draws presidents aligned with U.S. interests, including Javier Milei of Argentina, Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia, Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, Nasry Asfura of Honduras, and Santiago Peña of Paraguay. For Costa Rica, the meeting addresses pressing national issues amid a spike in homicides and criminal networks.
Costa Rica faces mounting pressure from transnational gangs. Homicide rates have climbed in recent years, tied to drug routes and illegal resource extraction. Officials point to illegal gold mining in Crucitas, near the Nicaraguan border, as a flashpoint. The operation damages the environment and fuels cross-border crime, drawing in armed groups.
Chaves sees the summit as a chance to push for better intelligence sharing and border support. Costa Rica disbanded its army in 1948 and depends on civilian police and global partners for defense. “We aim to build on existing ties with the U.S. to tackle these threats,” a government source familiar with preparations noted.
Economic links also play a role. The U.S. stands as Costa Rica’s top trade partner, driving investment in tech and exports. Stronger relations could boost foreign funding and joint efforts on migration. The government stresses matching U.S. goals in fighting crime and fostering growth in Central America.
Fernández’s presence highlights a smooth handover. She won the February 2 election with a clear margin, pledging to extend Chaves’s hardline stance on security. Her party gained a legislative majority, easing policy rollout. Chaves praised her involvement: “She will sit with the leaders to make her first mark on the international stage.”
This joint appearance signals steady foreign policy. Fernández has met U.S. officials before, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss drug enforcement and migration. Analysts view her win as backing for Chaves’s approach, which includes longer sentences for criminals and closer DEA and FBI collaboration.
Costa Rica pushes for wider regional teamwork. Neighbors share struggles with drug paths, migration flows, and environmental harm. A unified strategy could strengthen responses. The country often acts as a mediator in Latin America, favoring talks and shared rules. The summit places Costa Rica among key hemispheric allies, raising its profile. Leaders hope to lock in aid for law enforcement and economic projects. As Fernández prepares to take office on May 8, the trip sets the tone for ongoing U.S. partnership.
Government officials expect concrete outcomes, like enhanced logistics for anti-crime operations. Costa Rica’s delegation aims to balance security needs with its democratic traditions. The meeting comes as the region grapples with cartel influence, making cooperation essential. Chaves and Fernández depart soon, with the event at a Trump property in Florida. Details on exact talks remain under wraps, but security tops the list. Costa Rica looks to emerge with firm commitments to protect its borders and citizens.
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