Published on Tuesday, December 3, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

President Rodrigo Chaves bestowed the "Medal for Merit in Peace and Democracy" to Dr. Cynthia Telles, U.S. Ambassador, in recognition of her services to Costa Rica's peace and security.


The Costa Rica Presidency awards the "Medal for Merit in Peace and Democracy" to individuals or institutions who demonstrate a dedication to the principles of peace and democracy.


Ambassador Telles received the medal on December 1 during a ceremony commemorating Costa Rica's 76th anniversary of the abolition of the army that was held in the Democracy Square in San José, in recognition of her services to the country's fight against criminal organizations.


"Ambassador Telles and the United States government are committed to Costa Rica's success in fighting drug trafficking and organized crime, which exceeds any nation's capabilities," said President Chaves. "She has been on our side in this ever-present fight, demonstrating that we can defend our democracy against these enemies."


"This is the most important award of my life, but it is the result of a team effort to ensure Costa Rican peace, including supporting the Minister of Public Security in its intense fight against organized crime and working together to strengthen citizen security through operations, preventive programs, equipment, and scanners requested by President Chaves," said the ambassador upon receiving the award. "The United States is proud to have Costa Rica as one of its best allies."

The Costa Rican government highlighted the United States' efforts and cooperation in strengthening port and border security, training police officers, and equipping them with cutting-edge technology to fight the drug trafficking that is spreading across the region, said the U.S. embassy in its statement.

The U.S. Embassy additionally established strategies to assist the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) in safeguarding the country from cyber-attacks targeting various government organizations.

Dr. Telles was sworn in as U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica on January 30, 2022.

Last month, President Chaves bestowed Nayib Armando Bukele-Ortez, El Salvador's re-elected president in recognition of his efforts to reduce crime in his country.

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