Costa Rica minister fired for unapproved meeting with Trump in US

Costa Rican President Laura Fernandez dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar for attending a US-led regional security summit, the "Shield of the Americas," in New York without her prior notification. The government stated Tovar's unannounced participation prevented President Fernandez from attending and significantly harmed the country's strategic interests. The summit, which included several right-wing Latin American presidents, aimed to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, with participants pledging asset freezes and visa restrictions against criminal organizations. The meeting was part of the US administration's initiative to promote a more aggressive stance against drug trafficking in the region. Costa Rica itself is experiencing an increase in drug-related violence.

Costa Rican President Laura Fernandez fired Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar on Thursday. The dismissal occurred because Tovar attended a security meeting led by US President Donald Trump in New York without informing President Fernandez beforehand. The meeting, part of Trump's "Shield of the Americas" alliance, took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. President Fernandez stated that her absence from the meeting, due to Tovar's failure to consult her, caused "great strategic damage." The government indicated Tovar's participation was without prior notice or informing the president.