El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele was received with high honors during an official visit to Costa Rica, underscoring growing cooperation between the two nations. Following a formal reception, President Bukele met privately with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves. Both leaders later gathered with their respective cabinets, aiming to establish new agreements that would benefit the region.
Costa Rican Vice Foreign Minister emphasized that El Salvador’s success in curbing gang violence has positively impacted Central America. By neutralizing gang networks within El Salvador, Bukele’s administration has helped to reduce their spread across borders, bringing a wave of security that Costa Rica recognizes as instrumental for regional stability. The Vice Minister credited President Bukele’s leadership in advancing safety, a transformation that Costa Rica sees as beneficial for both countries.
President Chaves expressed Costa Rica’s respect and admiration for Bukele, comparing his leadership to that of Juan Mora, a historic Costa Rican figure who led the nation through times of change. Chaves highlighted Bukele’s steadfast commitment to fighting organized crime, a feat that has drawn international attention and gratitude from the Costa Rican people.
“Today, we celebrate the brotherhood of two Central American nations,” Chaves stated. “President Bukele, like Juan Mora, accepted the challenge to guide his people through difficult times. He has earned the respect of Salvadorans, the international community, and Costa Ricans for rescuing his nation from violence, gangs, and organized crime.”
Chaves added that Bukele’s reforms serve as a model for others in the region, stating that courageous decisions are necessary to dismantle deep-rooted criminal organizations and restore peace. He praised Bukele for achieving what was once thought impossible, transforming El Salvador from a crime-ridden society into a secure place where citizens walk freely, even in once-dangerous areas.
The Costa Rican President concluded his remarks by awarding Bukele with a medal, symbolizing Costa Rica’s recognition of his achievements. “May God bless our nations and grant us prosperity,” Chaves said.
Accepting the honor, Bukele thanked Costa Rica and reflected on El Salvador’s journey toward peace and stability. He noted that, in the past, gang leaders terrorized communities unchecked, creating a cycle of violence. Bukele highlighted the faith-driven resilience of his nation, remarking, “It’s a miracle of God, but we all have our part to play.”
During his speech, President Bukele addressed criticisms from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that, he argued, overlooked the devastating impact gang violence had on ordinary Salvadorans. Bukele shared a poignant example of a woman who lost both hands as punishment from gang members after she refused to pay extortion fees.
While this and similar brutal acts went largely unacknowledged by NGOs, Bukele highlighted how these organizations instead condemned his administration’s tough approach toward gang members, often advocating for the rights of criminals while ignoring the severe suffering endured by victims. “When we capture these criminals, critics surface to defend them, disregarding the countless innocents harmed,” Bukele stated, emphasizing the need for prioritizing citizens’ right to live free from violence. He reiterated that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect its people, even when that means employing strong measures to combat crime.
The Salvadoran leader invited those doubting the nation’s transformation to witness it firsthand, saying, “Go to the darkest corner of El Salvador, wait until dawn, and you’ll find yourself safe with your belongings intact.”