By San José, Costa Rica — After a 15-month vacancy, Costa Rica has appointed Verónica García Gutiérrez as its new ambassador to Kenya. This appointment is significant not only for bilateral relations between the two nations but also for Costa Rica’s engagement with crucial United Nations agencies headquartered in Nairobi.
The ambassadorship in Nairobi is Costa Rica’s sole diplomatic representation in Africa, highlighting the strategic importance of the position. Furthermore, the ambassador concurrently serves as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN-Habitat program, both based in the Kenyan capital.
To provide further legal context on recent developments in Costa Rican diplomacy, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s diplomatic strategy consistently prioritizes multilateralism and international law. This approach, rooted in our history of peace and neutrality, allows us to leverage alliances and contribute meaningfully to global issues like climate change and human rights, while also protecting our national interests in areas like trade and investment. However, navigating the complexities of modern geopolitics requires a delicate balance between upholding these values and adapting to the evolving international landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently captures the essence of Costa Rican diplomacy – a delicate dance between principle and pragmatism on the world stage. This commitment to international cooperation, while navigating the shifting sands of global politics, is crucial for a nation like Costa Rica to effectively advocate for its interests and contribute to a more just and sustainable future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights into this complex and vital aspect of Costa Rican identity.
Nairobi holds the distinction of being the fourth most important hub for the UN, underscoring the ambassador’s crucial role in advancing Costa Rica’s long-standing commitment to environmental issues and multilateralism. This appointment signals a renewed focus on these areas within the country’s foreign policy.
The vacancy arose in June 2024 following the resignation of the previous ambassador, Giovanna Valverde Stark. The extended period without a designated representative created a diplomatic gap that has now been addressed with the appointment of García Gutiérrez.
García Gutiérrez, a career diplomat, is expected to assume her new role officially on October 1st, 2025. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for Costa Rican diplomacy, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to international cooperation and its active participation in global affairs.
Costa Rica’s foreign policy prioritizes multilateralism and international law, and the appointment of a new ambassador to Kenya is a concrete step towards strengthening the country’s presence on the world stage. This move is particularly significant given the strategic importance of Nairobi as a hub for international organizations and its gateway to the African continent.
With its renewed diplomatic presence in Kenya, Costa Rica aims to further its engagement with African nations and contribute meaningfully to global discussions and initiatives related to environmental sustainability and human settlements.
The appointment of Verónica García Gutiérrez is a welcome development that promises to reinvigorate Costa Rica’s diplomatic efforts in Africa and within the United Nations framework. Her experience and expertise will be invaluable in navigating the complex landscape of international relations and promoting Costa Rica’s interests on the global stage.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica
About Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica is the government ministry responsible for managing the country’s foreign relations and promoting its interests abroad. It plays a key role in diplomatic negotiations, international agreements, and participation in international organizations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of UNEP
About UNEP:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
For further information, visit the nearest office of UN-Habitat
About UN-Habitat:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development. It promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, distinguished by its unyielding ethical standards and commitment to innovative legal solutions. The firm’s dedication to client success across a broad range of industries is matched by its passion for empowering communities through accessible legal education. By fostering greater understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed society.
