Ambassador Anne S. Andrew
Welcome Remarks
Golfito Ship Visit-USS Navy Ship DOYLE
December 10, 2010
Minister Tijerino;
Vice Minister Boraschi;
Vice Minister Roverssi;
Colonel Barrientos;
Faction Chiefs;
Senores Diputados y Diputadas;
Members of the press:
Thank you for traveling to Golfito today to take part in the orientation visit of the USS DOYLE to Costa Rica. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Captain of the USS Doyle and Navy personnel aboard for hosting us today.
Our goal for today’s visit is to facilitate the transparency of U.S. ship visits to the Port of Golfito now and in the future by gaining a firsthand understanding of the importance and value of U.S. ship visits to Costa Rican ports in hope of ensuring continued bi-lateral cooperation between the Costa Rican Government and U.S. Government with respect to the docking of U.S. ships.
The United States and Costa Rica share a common interest in the growing threats to citizen security arising in part from the shared threats of the illicit trafficking of drugs, people and weapons. Bilateral cooperation under the Joint Maritime Agreement against illicit trafficking is critical to both of our countries.
The U.S. government has recognized that the threat of narcotics trafficking through Central America has increased over the past few years. The U.S. government’s response has been to increase cooperation and assistance.
Today’s visit will give us all a glimpse into what is being done in terms of joint cooperation via sea and learn more about the operational concept of how the Maritime Joint Patrol Operations in Costa Rica functions.
It is a rare opportunity to get to board a Navy ship that is the magnitude of the USS Navy Ship Doyle. I want to thank Commander Vest from the Office of Defense Representative and his team who have been working diligently to prepare today’s visit. I look forward to seeing first-hand how we are working together to keep our borders safer. Thank you.
Share
|
Speeches