Costa Rica's foreign minister awarded Jerusalem Prize amid burgeoning ties

Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera received the Jerusalem Prize from the World Zionist Organization for his role in strengthening ties between Costa Rica and Israel. This award acknowledges Costa Rica's shift from historical anti-Israel foreign policies, aligning with a broader trend among conservative Latin American nations. Rivera was instrumental in the upcoming opening of a Costa Rican innovation and trade office with diplomatic status in Jerusalem, following a free trade agreement.

“Costa Rica has stood with Israel in our darkest hour and has continued to stand boldly and proudly with the values of democracy and freedom,”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated. Costa Rican President Laura Fernández Delgado also expressed plans to upgrade her country’s mission in Jerusalem to an embassy, reversing a two-decade-old decision. Rivera is the third Costa Rican to receive this honor.