Costa Rica fires foreign minister over unapproved Trump meeting

Costa Rican President Laura Fernandez has dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar after he attended a US-led regional security meeting with President Donald Trump without informing her.

According to Al Jazeera, Tovar participated in the “Shield of the Americas” meeting in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly without prior approval from Fernandez.

The Costa Rican government said the minister’s decision prevented Fernandez from attending the gathering herself and caused significant strategic harm to the country’s interests.

The meeting brought together several Latin American leaders as part of Trump’s initiative to strengthen regional cooperation against drug trafficking and organised crime. Fifteen coalition members issued a joint statement announcing plans for asset freezes, visa restrictions and efforts to pursue criminal liability against members and supporters of 24 criminal organisations.

Costa Rica has faced increasing drug-related violence despite its reputation for political stability in the region.

Tovar did not publicly comment on his dismissal but thanked Fernandez for having appointed him to her cabinet.

Foreign Trade Minister Indiana Trejos has been designated acting foreign minister and will assume the position after completing her United Nations General Assembly duties.