On Monday afternoon, the legislative assembly approved the docking of a Dutch ship, so that its crew can rest and exchange experiences with Costa Rican authorities, permission that was processed under file 20.881.
The visit will take place in Puerto Limón from August 31st to September 2nd and the authorization had the affirmative vote of all the legislators present at that time (51).
The HNLMS Friesland gunship of the Royal Dutch Navy sent a request through the Embassy of the Netherlands to the Minister of Security, Michael Soto, who submitted the request to the Legislative Assembly on June 25th, 2018.
In the letter from the Dutch Embassy to the hierarchy it is indicated that the exchanges with Costa Rican authorities take place within the framework of the San José Agreement, Law number 8800 of April 28th, 2010, where both countries are not only parts,
but sponsors of the negotiation, promotion and signing of this treaty against illicit maritime and air traffic that includes the entire Caribbean Sea Area.”
Zoila Volio, from the National Integration Party (PIN), justified her vote for the insecurity currently experienced in the country, for which this type of experiences can be enriching for the fight against drug trafficking.
As for the crew, there are 71 sailors, 20 Dutch officers and one foreigner, while in terms of armament, they carry an aircraft on board.