Dominica and Costa Rica Explore Areas of Deeper Cooperation
Dominica is seeking to broaden its bilateral relations with Costa Rica by exploring cooperation in the areas of Tourism, Sustainable Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Housing and Agro-Processing.

This information was revealed by Dominica’s first Non-Resident Ambassador to Costa Rica, Dr. Damien Dublin on his return from Costa Rica where he presented his letter of credence to the Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias Sanchez and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bruno Stagno Urgarte on May 29, 2007.

According to Dr Dublin, a Cuban-trained dentist and Chairman of the National Development Foundation of Dominica, “these areas are to be further discussed and specific areas of assistance and collaboration requested”.

While in Costa Rica, Dr Dublin held discussions with the Arias, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Manager of ICT- Costa Rica Tourist Board.

The appointment of Dr Dublin as Dominica’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Costa Rica is intended to strengthen the existing bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Dominica established diplomatic relations with Costa Rica in 2001. A high-ranking delegation of public and private sector representatives in the tourism sector conducted a study tour of Costa Rica in 2005.

Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most affluent countries with a population of 4.1 million. It boasts a diversified economy reliant on tourism, agriculture and industry.

Since the January 31, 2000, General Elections, the Government of Dominica has expanded significantly the number of countries Dominica has diplomatic relations with. In the last year, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced the appointments of Non-Resident Ambassadors to Chile, Costa Rica, Japan and Libya.


Dominica
The Commonwealth of Dominica, commonly known as Dominica (French: Dominique), is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It should not be confused with the Dominican Republic, another Caribbean nation.

The name is pronounced (dom-in-EE-cuh). In Latin, its name means "Sunday", which was the day on which it was discovered by Columbus.

Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" due to its seemingly unspoiled natural beauty. It is one of the youngest islands in the Lesser Antilles, and it is still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity. The island features lush mountainous rainforests, home of many rare plant, animal and bird species.

There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions but heavy rainfall can be expected inland. The Sisserou parrot is featured on the national flag. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on both tourism and agriculture.