Costa Rica's president has dismissed the country's foreign minister after the official attended an international gathering in New York and met with former US President Donald Trump without receiving approval from the presidency.
The minister took part in the "Shield of the Americas" meeting in New York, where the encounter with Trump occurred. The presidency said the minister's attendance had not been authorized, and President Fernández terminated his appointment on that basis.
The dismissal underscores tensions over protocol and coordination in foreign-policy matters. High-level bilateral or multilateral engagements are typically expected to be coordinated with the head of state, and the unapproved participation prompted swift action from the presidential office.
The president's decision is likely to prompt discussion within Costa Rica about ministerial conduct and the management of diplomatic contacts. It may also draw attention from international partners following a public meeting involving a former US president, though the presidency has framed the move principally as an internal matter of authorization and procedure.