President Carlos Alvarado introduced the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Manuel Ventura who replaces Ms. Epsy Campbell in that key position.

President Alvarado said that the new minister will develop a very important job thanks to his extensive experience in "the Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights throughout his professional life” and that is part of the area in which “Costa Rica must continue to advance."

Ventura assumed his new role on Tuesday, said the announcement from the government, and will proceed with the vision of highest values of foreign policy based on peace, democracy, human rights, the environment and disarmament.

"Under these principles, we will develop a foreign policy with priority actions around migration and foreign trade and on contingent issues such as the crisis in Nicaragua and Venezuela," said Minister Ventura.

Ventura proposes, "with humility and commitment, to increase our respect and raise our voice in forums such as the Organization of American States and in the United Nations when we see setbacks or disrespect for our democratic coexistence, our institutions and our freedoms."

Ventura was a judge and Vice President of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights where he also served as secretary of the organization and has extensive experience and many contributions to human rights for more than 35 years.

The government points out that Minister Ventura has held various positions, both in private companies and in public administration.