VOA常速英语:Successful Costa Rican Elections

The United States congratulates Luis Guillermo Solis on his election as the next president of Costa Rica.

President-elect Solis campaigned with the promise to tackle corruption, poverty, and inequality. He also promised to focus on building up small and medium-sized local businesses while strengthening social and environmental programs in Costa Rica.

The United States and Costa Rica work together on many issues. Both countries enjoy strong bilateral law enforcement cooperation in the effort to improve citizen security, an important issue for all Costa Ricans. Safety and security in Costa Rica are central to greater economic growth and prosperity, and help deter local and transnational criminal networks by providing greater opportunity in distressed communities.

The United States and Costa Rica also share a strong commitment to combating climate change, preventing environmental degradation, as well as preserving Costa Rica's important and rich biological diversity.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica also supports programs to promote entrepreneurship, further social inclusion, and empower at-risk youth. Peace Corps volunteers work in education and English language instruction to help Costa Ricans develop the skills they need to enter the workforce.

The United States and Costa Rica are parties to the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, which facilitates trade and investment and furthers regional integration by eliminating tariffs, opening markets, reducing barriers to services, and promoting transparency.

The United States is Costa Rica's largest trading partner, accounting for almost half of Costa Rica's exports, imports, and tourism, and more than half of its foreign direct investment.

The United States looks forward to working with President-elect Solis and strengthening a close and friendly relationship with Costa Rica based on mutual respect for democracy, human rights, and expanding trade and prosperity.