A delegation of LUSDA members had the privilege of starting our annual series of “Meetings with Diplomats” with a visit to the Costa Rican Embassy in Italy, where we had a stimulating discussion with His Excellency Ambassador Istvan Alfaro Solano. The key highlights from our meeting were:

- Celebrating 75 years without an army: Costa Rica’s unique status of not having an army has shaped its foreign policy, stressing the nation’s reliance on public and cultural diplomacy to assert its presence on the international stage.

- A champion of democracy and human rights: Costa Rica is a model of democracy in Latin America and continues to be a leading country in the defence of human rights, demonstrating its commitment to peace and stability in the Central American region.

- Strengthening Ties with the EU and Italy: In line with President Rodrigo Chaves Robles’ vision, the Ambassador informed us about his country’s strong interest in strengthening the co-operation with Italy through trade and cultural agreements.