U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Costa Rica on Tuesday on behalf of the United States as the country celebrated its 205th Independence Day.

Costa Rica’s Independence Day, observed Sept. 15, is marked by patriotic traditions throughout the country, including student and lantern parades, concerts, fireworks, traditional dances and folk music in communities across the nation.

In his message, Rubio said the United States and Costa Rica share a friendship rooted in democracy, security and economic ties.

“That friendship has driven joint efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, secure critical telecommunications infrastructure, disrupt illegal immigration, and bolster border security,” Rubio said.

Rubio also highlighted Costa Rica’s participation in two U.S.-backed regional initiatives.

“Costa Rica stands with us as a founding member of the Shield of the Americas, defending democratic sovereignty across our hemisphere, and as a member of Pax Silica to drive innovation and secure regional supply chains,” Rubio said.

Costa Rica joined Pax Silica in June 2026. The U.S.-led initiative focuses on strengthening innovation ecosystems and developing critical technologies, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence, while improving the resilience and security of strategic supply chains.

In March, Costa Rica joined a U.S.-led regional agreement aimed at combating criminal cartels and organized crime across the Western Hemisphere during the Shield of the Americas Summit. Costa Rica is among the founding members of the initiative.

“Under President Laura Fernández’s leadership, I am confident our partnership will continue to keep our people safe and advance shared prosperity,” Rubio added.

Rubio visited Costa Rica in February 2025 to discuss key regional issues, including international aid, migration, drug trafficking, cybercrime and China’s growing influence, among other topics.

During the visit, Rubio met with then-President Rodrigo Chaves Robles. Rubio emphasized President Donald Trump’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with U.S. allies and highlighted Costa Rica as a model for other countries.

“There are more U.S. citizens living here than Costa Ricans living in the U.S., which is an example of what happens when a country does things right,” Rubio said during the visit.

Rubio was born in Miami, Florida, in 1971, the son of Cuban immigrants. He served as a city commissioner in West Miami and later as speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

In 2010, Rubio won a seat in the U.S. Senate, where he served until 2025. He was sworn in as the 72nd U.S. Secretary of State on Jan. 21, 2025.

Rubio was the fourth U.S. Secretary of State to visit Costa Rica in the past 15 years.

In June 2021, then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with then-Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado to reaffirm U.S. support for the country’s environmental initiatives.

In January 2020, then-Secretary of State Michael Pompeo visited Costa Rica to discuss the situations in Venezuela and Nicaragua, the rising flow of migrants and efforts to combat drug trafficking with then-President Carlos Alvarado.

In March 2010, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with then-President Laura Chinchilla to discuss drug trafficking and the development of Costa Rica’s aerospace industry.

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What is the most important support Costa Rica receives from the United States? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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