Title: Pura Vida Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Vision for Sustainable Partnerships in the Gulf

GJIA: With the recent appointment of Your Excellency Ambassador Esquivel, what are Costa Rica’s key diplomatic priorities in Qatar and the broader Gulf region?

Ambassador Esquivel: Costa Rica has been actively strengthening diplomatic relations with Qatar and the Gulf region. Our focus has been on several key priorities, such as promoting bilateral cooperation between our countries, economic investments, cultural and educational exchanges, and political consultations. These efforts align with our country’s political strategy, the global development goals, and, of course, the agreements signed during the Emir’s visit to Costa Rica in late November 2024. We believe there are many priorities and opportunities for collaboration between our countries, given our common interests.

GJIA: How do you see the Costa Rica-Qatar relationship evolving in the coming years? Are there any new initiatives or agreements in the works to strengthen bilateral ties?

Ambassador Esquivel: Costa Rica and Qatar have had strong bilateral relations since 2010. Since then, there have been many high-level visits and numerous agreements signed, which form the basis for the future of the relationship between our countries and for cooperation across different areas. The agreements signed between both countries cover areas such as health, sports, cultural exchange, trade and economic cooperation, media, information, and diplomatic training. We have also agreed to conduct research in areas of interest for both countries.

There is one agreement still pending to be signed, and it is of interest to both countries—that is tourism. The two countries are far apart, but in today’s world, nothing is so far that you cannot reach it. Traveling from Costa Rica to Qatar is a lot easier today than it was years ago, and it should become even easier in the future. Especially now that Qatar Airways has announced new routes to Latin America, it will be even easier for all of us to travel back and forth, allowing Latins to discover the beauty of Qatar, which many are still unfamiliar with, and for Qataris to get to know Costa Rica and discover what the Pura Vida country really means.

To experience nature, the fresh water from waterfalls, to live in a country that is green all year-round—you can enjoy the beach, the monkeys, the volcanoes, and of course the people—along with a fresh cup of coffee and a great conversation. Enjoying life day by day—not necessarily in slow motion but enjoying every minute—that is our Pura Vida lifestyle. That is something I believe both countries could enjoy a lot.

GJIA: How does Costa Rica view its diplomatic engagement in the Gulf compared to other regions?

Ambassador Esquivel: Costa Rica maintains important diplomatic and economic relations with the Gulf countries, including ties with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. We also have embassies in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, Costa Rica has expressed interest in strengthening relations with the Gulf through continued dialogue and cooperation in areas such as sustainability, trade and investment, culture, and sports. Our goal is to grow alongside the region and for the region to see a friend in Costa Rica, one that is willing to invest in developing our relationship further.

GJIA: Costa Rica has been a hub for ecotourism and green investment. With Qatar’s Vision 2030 emphasizing sustainability, could we see a new model of green Gulf investment in Latin America?

Ambassador Esquivel: That is a very interesting question. Sustainability in Qatar and green investment in the Gulf are growing rapidly and becoming priorities as the region seeks to diversify its economies and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In this sense, Costa Rican policies in these areas align with those set by Qatar National Vision 2030, which is a long-term strategy for environmental sustainability, renewable energies, and green infrastructure.

Of course, it is easy to imagine new alliances and models of investments in the future. In Latin America, there is a summit coming up in the next few months about the environment, and we have been invited to participate, as have many other countries, because we cannot forget that the environment should be a priority for every country. We depend on it, and we must do our best to make it safe for future generations and ourselves, improve it as much as we can, and look for alternatives that allow us to have a long, lasting life in this world.

GJIA: In an era of global energy transition, how do you see the relationship between resource-rich Gulf states and sustainability-focused Latin American nations evolving? Can they work together to shape the global green energy agenda?

Ambassador Esquivel: The most important thing is that we are working toward the same common goals. Sustainability and the use of renewable energies within the green economy are now part of our national policy strategy. Considering this, I would say that we are already working on a common sustainability agenda for the future, one that serves as a roadmap for the transition toward greener and more responsible practices for both of us.

Qatar has an advantage here, and that is the amount of sun it receives. With the sun, you do not have to depend on fossil fuels. In our case, we have resources like water, which we use in many ways, among them, to produce electricity. I am not going to say we do not have fossil fuels; we do. But we do not use them. We do not exploit them. We do not perforate in the ocean or in the country. We use all the green energy we can to avoid carbon emissions that affect global temperatures and air quality.

GJIA: Costa Rica and Qatar both have unique climate challenges, one being a rainforest and the other a heavy eco-state and desert nation. Could there be joint sustainability projects tackling water security, reforestation, or climate resilience?

Ambassador Esquivel: As I said, Costa Rica is a global leader in climate change action, known for its ambitious environmental policies and sustainable development initiatives. On the other hand, Qatar faces unique challenges in tackling climate change due to its hot desert climate, fossil fuels, and high per capita carbon emissions. These are two very different realities and ecosystems, but both nations are taking steps to address these issues. There is definitely room for mutual cooperation based on the experience each side brings.

On this subject, I would like to mention an important event that took place in Nice, France, in June, co-hosted by Costa Rica and France as part of the United Nations Ocean Conference. This conference focused on accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the oceans. It supports urgent actions to protect oceans, seas, and marine resources, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14—Life Below Water.

We need to protect everything in the water. We need to avoid contamination and keep the water clean. We need to allow fish to reproduce because we, and many other economies, live and rely on the ocean. We need the fish to reproduce so there is food on our tables. In many coastal areas, communities depend on fishers, who in turn depend on the ocean for their livelihood and economic well-being. There is also a market for exporting marine products, but this must be managed sustainably. The ocean provides us with both food and water.

In Qatar, for example, they use marine water to produce fresh water. Naturally, ocean water combines with heat to form clouds, which then produce rain. This is the circle of life, and we must protect it responsibly so that we can have a future.

GJIA: There has been increasing South-South cooperation between Latin America and the Gulf. Do you see a future where Qatar plays a larger role in Latin American development, similar to China’s engagement in the region?

Ambassador Esquivel: South-South cooperation between Latin America and the Gulf region has been steadily growing in recent years, driven by shared interests in economic development, trade, technology transfer, and cultural exchange. There will always be room for cooperation and development in Latin America, and Qatar could have a role of great importance.

There are areas where the region could improve, and Qatar could become a regional leader in areas such as trade and investment, energy corporation, education, cultural and scientific exchange and investigation, tourism and infrastructure, as well as migration, particularly in aiding the families of migrants, especially women and children, to allow them to have a future.

Among the agreements signed with the Emir in November 2024, there are topics related to culture, sports, and education, all of which are of great importance to both countries. I understand that Sheikha Moza has many impactful programs in the region through Qatar Charity, but none in Latin America. In Costa Rica, a country that does not have the same level of income as Qatar, our first lady, Mrs. Zigne Zeicate, has programs to help those in need, especially women and children.

So, we share common interests: protecting women, protecting children, and helping people in need. This is especially important given the number of immigrants we receive—people passing through who get blocked by a neighboring country and are left without food, roof, or help. We have in common the willingness to help and protect them, and hopefully in the future, Qatar could translate this shared commitment into tangible support for those in need.

GJIA: How does Costa Rica view its role in this shifting global financial landscape, amid the rise of BRICS+ (the members who joined the BRICS organization in 2024) and New South-South cooperation frameworks? Additionally, as global governance evolves, how can smaller nations like Costa Rica and Qatar navigate economic realignments while safeguarding their digital sovereignty against rising cyber threats and disinformation campaigns?

Ambassador Esquivel: The South-South cooperation approach emphasizes mutual support among developing nations and presents both opportunities and challenges for smaller countries like Costa Rica and Qatar, especially in the face of digital threats. Small states often struggle with limited cybersecurity budgets, dependence on foreign technology, risks of surveillance, external control, and a lack of cyber talent—issues for which South-South cooperation is critical to overcoming digital vulnerabilities. Key areas of action include expanding regional cybersecurity training programs, developing joint cyber defense policies, promoting open-source and locally developed digital tools, and strengthening legal frameworks through regional treaties. In that sense, Qatar is very advanced and could help Latin countries with the technology they have developed, especially in cybersecurity and programming that today makes our lives a lot easier. So, in that sense, Qatar could teach Latin countries a lot.

GJIA: What is one underappreciated or surprising fact about Costa Rica’s role in the Middle East that you think global readers should know?

Ambassador Esquivel: Costa Rica has a limited but important role in the Middle East, guided by its foreign policy of neutrality, peace, and respect for international law. One of the most interesting facts about Costa Rica is its advocacy for peace and respect for human rights as a country without a standing army. Costa Rica has often used its voice in international organizations like the United Nations to promote peaceful solutions to Middle Eastern conflicts, including those in Palestine, Syria, Ukraine, and Russia. Costa Rica has always said that war does not solve problems. Talking about conflicts and trying to solve them is the path we should all follow. That is the right path. War should not be an option; peace talks—that is an option. If you analyze the world’s history, nobody has won a war. Millions of innocent people have died for no reason, and in the end, solutions have been agreed upon at a desk. Why, instead of firing arms, do we not sit and talk before the problem gets worse?

GJIA: The United States remains a dominant actor in both Latin America and the Gulf, yet countries like Costa Rica and Qatar have successfully diversified their diplomatic and economic partnerships. How do you navigate relations with major powers like the United States while pursuing independent foreign policy objectives?

Ambassador Esquivel: The United States is not the only major power in Latin America; there are others around Costa Rica that also maintain strong and cooperative relations with the United States while pursuing independent foreign policy. The two countries share close economic, political, and security ties, but Costa Rica also asserts its sovereignty by engaging with a diverse range of international partners and advocating for policies that reflect our national interests.

Costa Rica is a strong and independent nation with a long history of democracy. We are world leaders in neutrality and peace advocacy, environmental and climate issues, and the defense of human rights. Some of the key aspects that allow a country like Costa Rica to navigate relations with major powers while pursuing independent foreign policy objectives include strong economic and trade ties, cooperation in security and law enforcement, and diplomatic and political alignment.

In conclusion, Costa Rica successfully navigates these dynamics on a day-by-day basis, maintaining an independent foreign policy. It balances economic and security cooperation with strong countries while engaging with other global players in trade, climate action, and diplomacy. This approach allows Costa Rica to protect its sovereignty while benefiting from international partnerships.

GJIA: Both Latin America and the Gulf are navigating an era of multipolarity, where power is more dispersed than ever. What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for smaller nations in this new global order?

Ambassador Esquivel: To begin with, I would not say just Latin America and the Gulf—I would say the world, because the world is completely changing. It does not matter where you look; it is the same situation. In the case of Costa Rica, we face a shift in the global landscape that presents both opportunities and challenges. Some of the areas where we could excel includes sustainability, leadership in the green economy, the new era of the digital economy, specialized services, education and innovation, tourism, infrastructure and logistics, and regional mediation and diplomacy.

GJIA: As global migration trends shift, both Latin America and the Middle East have become key transit regions for refugees. How can Costa Rica and Qatar collaborate on international refugee policies and humanitarian diplomacy?

Ambassador Esquivel: Good question. Costa Rica plays a significant role in international refugee policies, especially in Latin America. The country has a long history of providing asylum and support to refugees, positioning itself as a leader in human rights and humanitarian efforts. We continue to advocate for global support, stronger regional coordination, and sustainable solutions for displaced populations.

In Latin America, there are millions of migrants per year. Depending on which country is facing a conflict, large portions of the population will start migrating. Typically, they will try to migrate to the north, passing through Costa Rica. Several times already, a country in the Central American region has blocked its borders to prevent migrants from going north. The consequence is that families, mothers and children, get stuck in the middle. They have no way to return home, no place to live, and cannot continue their migration north. Suddenly, they find themselves in a country where they may not even speak the language, have no money, have no place to live, and know no one. Thousands of these people remain in Costa Rica for months.

This, of course, becomes a problem both for the country and for them. How do you support thousands of migrants trying to go somewhere they cannot go? So yes, we need support from international organizations, and certainly, the support of countries such as Qatar would be a big help. We are talking about thousands of displaced families, and with the new policies of other governments, many will have to return home. But how? How do they go back if they have no money, no job, no language, no place to stay, or no food to survive?

Now, the world has to unite and look for ways to help—to ensure mothers with little kids have at least a roof and food. Because another problem—again, a global issue, not only Latin American—is that when you have so many immigrants, other problems appear. Criminal organizations exploit and abuse them. They abuse women, and little kids are forced to work. The United Nations has said many times that these abuses must stop. But how? How do we help if it is not by getting all of us together, looking for a way in which we can allow them to return home, to save these mothers and children, feed them, and allow them to go back to their families? The only way to do this is by working together.

Qatar and Costa Rica are jointly presenting a project at the 61^st session of the UN Human Rights Council to promote and protect the human rights of women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations, ensuring justice, remedies and reparation for victims. We are working together, exploring options to give women and children a better future. Both countries are committed to this effort and are engaging in talks with other governments to convey the importance and urgency of getting this project approved.

GJIA: Lastly, Costa Rica is known for its Pura Vida philosophy. How do you think that mindset translates into diplomacy? Could the world benefit from a more Pura Vida approach to international relations?

Ambassador Esquivel: I would say the world should be Pura Vida. Pura Vida for Costa Rica is a way of life. It relates to our way of living and interacting. It is part of our culture, our food, and our traditions. You can find a reference to Pura Vida in every aspect of the life of our people, and that should be extended worldwide to all countries. The Costa Rican Pura Vida philosophy is rooted in simplicity, optimism, and respect, and it extends beyond daily life into our diplomatic approach. This mindset influences the country’s foreign policy by emphasizing our commitment to peace, the defense of human rights, sustainability, and multilateralism. Costa Rican diplomacy reflects the essence of Pura Vida: valuing peace, respect, and cooperation. This approach allows the country to punch above its weight in international affairs, advocating for global well-being while maintaining its identity as a peaceful and progressive nation.

Pura Vida is a way of life. We should spend more time with our families. We should listen to our kids. Stress should be low. We should have a cup of coffee and talk to our neighbors, our family, and the little kids—play with them. Stop rushing through life and enjoy it. Mark Twain, an author from the United States, once said that “life is too short to even bother thinking about it,” but we need to understand that life is just a bunch of days added up. If we can make those days better by sharing them with the people we love, with our families and friends, then we are on the right path to living a Pura Vida life. This lifestyle is one of the reasons why Costa Rica is also known for its “blue zone,” where people tend to live significantly longer than average, often reaching the age of one hundred or more.

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Ambassador Juan Carlos Esquivel Favareto is the current Costa Rican ambassador to the State of Qatar. He has previously served as an honorary consul to Latvia and as president of the Inter-American Bar Association based in Washington D.C..

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Interview conducted by GJIA staff.

Image credit: diego_cue, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons