Nature, Culture, and Connection: Costa Rica strengthens bilateral relations with Qatar
Ashraf Siddiqui
HE Juan Carlos Esquivel, ambassador of Costa Rica to Qatar, while addressing members of the Costa Rican community in Doha on Thursday, highlighted the nation's cultural richness, unique agricultural innovations, and the deepening diplomatic relationship between Costa Rica and Qatar.
The event featured a vibrant showcase of Costa Rican heritage, including the rare and visually striking pink pineapple—a sweet, lab-developed fruit retailing in Qatar for QR 50 and known to sell for as much as $100 in Japan.
The guests also enjoyed authentic Costa Rican dishes and a curated selection of local coffees, catering to both bold and mild palates.
Ambassador Esquivel underscored Costa Rica's natural appeal, describing its essence as 'gold, green, and water.'
He invited the Qatari people and the residents to experience the country through its pristine beaches, misty mountains, lush forests, and thriving biodiversity, emphasising that Costa Rica offers an immersive, nature-first alternative to urban tourism.
'Enjoy the forest, embrace a tree, breathe the fresh morning air—that's Costa Rica,' he said.
A central theme of his address was Pura Vida, the emblematic Costa Rican phrase that translates to 'pure life'. More than a greeting, Pura Vida reflects a national philosophy of optimism, gratitude, and simplicity, resonating in everyday life and interactions.
The ambassador also discussed the growing cooperation between Costa Rica and Qatar, noting the agreements signed during a high-level Qatari visit to San José. These include academic exchanges, scientific collaboration, and tourism development.
Drawing on Costa Rica's extensive experience in eco-tourism, he emphasised the importance of managing not only tourist arrivals but also the entire visitor experience—transportation, waste management, and cultural engagement.
Addressing perceptions of the Gulf region, Esquivel called for stronger storytelling to share the richness of Qatari culture with the world, pointing out Costa Rica's expertise in building compelling narratives that showcase a nation's beauty.
He further credited Costa Rica's high literacy rate and innovation to its post-1948 decision to abolish the military and redirect defence spending to education. This, he said, has enabled Costa Ricans to contribute meaningfully to global industries, including tech giants like Intel.
Closing his remarks, Esquivel praised the achievements of the Costa Rican diaspora in Qatar and encouraged ongoing connection. He extended a warm invitation to the global community to live and work remotely from Costa Rica—where Pura Vida is more than a phrase; it's a way of life.
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