Q COSTA RICA — On the same day Donald Trump led a “Shield of the Americas” meeting in New York with heads of state and delegations from across the continent, Laura Fernández visited a clothing store in Colombia.
According to Casa Presidencial, the then-Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar did not inform his boss, President Laura Fernández, about the meeting, leading to his dismissal on Thursday, September 24.
The “By Liliana Meza” store announced on social media that it had received a visit from Fernández and Colombia’s First Lady, Ana Lucía Pineda, on Tuesday, September 22.
The business stated that it was “a true honor” to have both of them present.
During her stay in Colombia, Fernández also visited renowned chef Manuel “Mane” Mendoza.
“We had the honor of welcoming the President of Costa Rica, @laura_fernandez_delgado, to our restaurant, @manuelrestaurante, during her visit to Barranquilla. It was a joy to share the flavors of our Caribbean with her,” wrote Mendoza.
“Shield of the Americas” Meeting in New York
That same Tuesday, participants in a “Shield of the Americas” meeting discussed security and development strategies in New York.
The meeting with Trump was attended by Javier Milei (Argentina), Rodrigo Paz (Bolivia), José Antonio Kast (Chile), Daniel Noboa (Ecuador), Irfaan Ali (Guyana), Nasry Asfura (Honduras), Santiago Peña (Paraguay), Keiko Fujimori (Peru), Luis Abinader (Dominican Republic), and Kamla Persad-Bissessar (Trinidad and Tobago).
Also participating were Colombia’s Vice President, José Manuel Restrepo, and representatives from the foreign ministries of El Salvador and Panama.
Although Costa Rica is a founding member of the “Shield of the Americas,” Fernández did not attend. Consequently, the country was not represented at the main meeting.
Tovar, who was in New York for the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, participated in a separate forum at the same event led by Kristi Noem.
Laura Fernández Dismissed Manuel Tovar
President Fernández announced Tovar’s immediate dismissal as Minister of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, September 24.
Casa Presidencial stated that the foreign minister attended a session without notifying the president beforehand or informing her of his participation. According to the government, this omission prevented Fernández from participating in the meeting and caused serious strategic harm to the country.
On Thursday, Fernández appointed Indiana Trejos Gallo, the Minister of Foreign Trade, as interim Minister of Foreign Affairs. Trejos will assume the role upon her return from her mission at the UN General Assembly.
Laura Fernández announced back in July that she would not attend the UN General Assembly
The President announced on July 21 that she would not attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York. She revealed her decision during the program “El Octavo Mandamiento”.
At the time, she said she considered it more important to remain in Costa Rica to address security issues and investment projects.
During the July television interview Fernández stated that there were “very important” matters in Costa Rica requiring her presence during the days of the UN General Assembly.
The president also stated that she “was not going to try to hide the sun with a finger” and that, in her view, the UN had “fallen short” regarding several issues.
Tovar reported on the meeting held on September 17
Former Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar publicly disclosed his participation in a high-level “Shield of the Americas” meeting—which took place on September 17—in statements made to the “Miami Herald”. On that day, speaking to the U.S. media outlet, Tovar described the meeting he held in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “extraordinary.”
On Thursday, critics of Laura Fernández’s decision to remove Tovar said the decision was made without consensus—or rather, one that was very hasty or emotional.
There is no doubt that the meeting with Trump came up unexpectedly.