MONDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2016
Good evening everyone,
The pleasure is mine this evening to extend to you the Government and people of Costa Rica, on behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, and on my own behalf congratulatory greetings on the commemoration of your National Day.
Madame Chargé d’Affaires a.i., this evening is indeed a momentous one, as we also commemorate the launch of the photographic exhibition “Somos Todos Costa Rica” (We Are All Costa Rica), the work of Argentine Lucas Iturriza. The exhibit documents Costa Rica’s diversity and shows that the rich history of Costa Rica derives from a past strongly flavoured by its Indigenous population, with a crucial mix of European, African and Caribbean influence. We note that the world-famed beauty and diversity of its flora and fauna are reflected in the people depicted.
Madame Chargé d’Affaires a.i., as you celebrate your independence on 15th September, 2016, we acknowledge the achievement of 195 years of independent progress by the people of Costa Rica along the path of prosperity, equity and justice for all and share the international recognition of Costa Rica as an open, peaceful economy that promotes competitiveness. Your Government and people can be justly proud.
On occasions such as this, we recall the long-standing diplomatic relations which were established between our two states more than 45 years ago. Much has happened over the years and we celebrate with you your achievements and the harmonious relations between our countries. Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica have been able to deepen and strengthen our bilateral ties as signalled by the successful negotiation of agreements and various official visits in the fields of education, tourism, international relations and agriculture which have marked the progressive nature of our relations.
Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to broadening these relations, particularly in the areas of trade, tourism and culture. The last is especially significant in light of the events of August last year in the province of Limón. Firstly, we welcomed the dedication of the Limón Roots Afrocultural Festival 2015 to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in recognition of this country’s close relationship with Costa Rica and in particular its contribution to the province of Limón. Secondly, we were kindly presented with the Limón Roots Award which assured us that the values, traditions, culture and customs of the Afro-Costa Rican community in Limón and our contribution thereto were recognized as important.
Our countries have common agendas regarding hemispheric trade, sustainable development, human rights, the peaceful settlement of disputes and other noble democratic ideals. We endorse collective action within such fora as the Organization of American States and the United Nations processes. In this regard, we in Trinidad and Tobago, like Costa Rica, remain committed to the hemispheric development.
Madame Chargé d’Affaires a.i., I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will continue to pursue the partnership with Costa Rica for the prosperity and development of both nations.
Distinguished friends, guests and colleagues it is my honour and pleasure, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and on my own behalf, to extend once again, felicitations to the Government and people of Costa Rica on their one hundred and ninety-fifth (195th) Anniversary of Independence, and as well on the launch of this marvellous exhibit.
