The Ambassador, accredited to the Republic of Costa Rica, met President Rodrigo Chaves Robles at a reception held at the National Theatre Hall on Friday. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Jan 24, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has presented his credentials to Costa Rica's leadership, underscoring Dhaka's intent to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, climate adaptation and people-to-people ties.

The Ambassador, accredited to the Republic of Costa Rica, met President Rodrigo Chaves Robles at a reception held at the National Theatre Hall on Friday, according to a message received here today.  

He conveyed warm greetings from the Government and people of Bangladesh and discussed avenues to strengthen bilateral relations. 

President Chaves recalled his visit to Dhaka during his tenure at the World Bank and expressed appreciation for Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government. 

The Ambassador thanked the President and extended an invitation to visit Bangladesh.

On Thursday, Ambassador Ansarey presented his Letters of Credence to Vice President Mary Munive Angermuller at the Yellow House, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica. 

He was accorded a ceremonial reception, including a Guard of Honour, with the national anthems of Bangladesh and Costa Rica played. 

Following the ceremony, the Ambassador paid a courtesy call on the Vice President in the presence of Foreign Minister Arnoldo Andre Tinoco.

During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted opportunities to expand business-to-business engagement, particularly in ready-made garments and pharmaceuticals, and proposed closer cooperation on climate adaptation. 

He also expressed Bangladesh's interest in initiating discussions on a visa waiver for diplomatic and official passport holders and easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi businesspeople.

Vice President Munive Angermuller welcomed the Ambassador and reaffirmed Costa Rica's interest in strengthening ties with Bangladesh. 

Noting that both countries are scheduled to hold national elections in February, she emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and addressing misinformation and disinformation during the electoral process. 

She also commended the Ambassador's past contributions to the promotion of human rights and democracy.

Earlier on January 22, Ambassador Ansarey held a separate meeting with Foreign Minister Tinoco, focusing on trade cooperation, increasing imports from Bangladesh and other matters of mutual interest. 

He underscored the potential contribution of Bangladeshi manpower to Costa Rica's workforce and sought support for Bangladesh's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2031-2032 term. 

While conveying assurances, the Foreign Minister highlighted Costa Rica's candidature for the post of UN Secretary-General and expressed the expectation of Bangladesh's support for Ms Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, also commending Bangladesh's role in UN peacekeeping.

During his visit, the Ambassador toured a pharmaceutical laboratory in San Jose-MEDIGRAY, highlighting the strengths of Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector and encouraging sourcing from Bangladesh. He also met members of the Bangladeshi community in San Jose and inquired about their well-being.