Published on Saturday, January 18, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

"Serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica has been the greatest honor of my life," said outgoing U.S. Ambassador Dr. Cynthia A. Telles in a farewell message released by the U.S. Embassy on Friday. 

Telles, sworn in as ambassador on Jan. 30, 2022, steps down as part of the customary transition in diplomatic posts ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the next U.S. president on Monday, Jan. 20. 

"Over the past three years, serving in the country where I grew up and working hand in hand with all of you to deepen the enduring friendship between our countries has been a true privilege," Telles said. "Together with the Costa Rican and American people, we have achieved historic milestones to support and protect this precious country."

Telles highlighted several achievements during her tenure, including President Chaves visit to the White House, which reaffirmed the strong partnership and appreciation for Costa Rica’s regional leadership. 

During her ambassadorship, Costa Rica hosted several high-level U.S. officials, including First Lady Dr Jill Biden, the Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo,  General Laura Richardson, Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuburger, Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nate Fick, Presidential Advisor Chris Dodd,  Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, among several others. 

"Costa Rica is a leader in the region, with initiatives like the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD) and the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP)," Telles noted. 

Telles noted that in collaboration with Costa Rica's Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX), the U.S. helped position the nation "as a regional leader in the semiconductor supply chain," she said.

Costa Rica became the first U.S. partner funded through the CHIPS Act’s International Technology Security and Innovation Program (ITSI), securing over $2 billion in direct U.S. investment and creating more than 3,000 new jobs.

 

Telles underscored U.S. support during Costa Rica’s massive cyberattack in March 2022, which paralyzed government institutions. At her request, President Biden allocated resources to strengthen Costa Rica’s cybersecurity infrastructure. 

The U.S. State Department committed $25 million, pending Congressional approval, for a cybersecurity operations center in partnership with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Technology (MICITT). The Department of Defense also granted $10 million to bolster the Ministry of Public Security's cybersecurity capabilities. 

"Thanks to this collaboration, Costa Rica has become a regional reference point for digital resilience," she said. 

The ambassador also cited advancements in addressing organized crime, supported by over $25 million in U.S. technology, including drones and cargo scanners to be installed at the ports of Caldera and Limón.

Additional contributions for land mobile scanners in northern and southern Costa Rica, along with training and advisory support, are already in the planning stages. 

On migration, Telles emphasized the U.S. role in financing Safe Mobility Offices to offer lawful migration pathways to the U.S., Canada, and Spain for thousands of refugees. Over three years, the U.S. contributed nearly $70 million to bolster Costa Rica’s asylum system and humanitarian response. 

Ambassador Telles expressed her gratitude to Costa Rica for the opportunity to serve. "I was deeply moved by the incredible warmth, kindness, and resilience of the Costa Rican people," she added. 

On Friday, Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Arnoldo André, bestowed Ambassador Telles with the Juan Mora Fernández National Order at the Grand Cross Silver Plate level, marking the conclusion of her diplomatic mission. 

"I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together, particularly in the fight against organized crime and improving cybersecurity infrastructure," Telles said during the ceremony. 

The National Order, named after Costa Rica’s first elected president Juan Mora Fernández (1784–1854), recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. 

This week, Costa Rica also inaugurated a new roundabout in honor of former U.S. Ambassador Raymond L. Telles Jr., Ambassador Cynthia Telles’s late father, who served in Costa Rica from 1961 to 1967. 

The U.S. Embassy is expected to announce President Trump’s new representative in Costa Rica in the coming days. 

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What should the new ambassador do to improve embassy services for U.S. citizens living in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com