The new Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the Organization of American States (OAS), Rogelio Sotela Muñoz, today presented his credentials to Secretary General Luis Almagro, in a ceremony in which he stressed the commitment of his country to the four pillars of the hemispheric institution: democracy, human rights, sustainable development, and multidimensional security.

“I come with great enthusiasm to work proactively in the Council, so that the declarations and resolutions that it will adopt help to strengthen the four pillars of the Organization,” said the Costa Rican diplomat during the ceremony held at the headquarters of the OAS in Washington, DC.

Secretary General Almagro emphasized the commitment of Costa Rica to the defense of the values of the Organization. “We all know the significant role played by Costa Rica as the voice in defense of democracy and human rights,” noted Secretary Almagro when he welcomed Ambassador Sotela.

Ambassador Sotela is 68 years old; he is succeeding former Ambassador Pablo Barahona, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Ambassador Sotela is a veteran OAS official; he was part of the Sustainable Development Department and previously served as liaison to El Salvador before the OAS.

The new Ambassador of Costa Rica to the OAS has pursued higher education in Engineering Administration and Chemistry. He was previously involved with the Biomass Users Network (BUN), an international organization that helps to identify opportunities for improving rural economies in an environmentally sustainable manner through the innovative production and efficient use of biomass. It further aims at promoting a South-South co-operation by developing and strengthening national capacities to increase production and use of biomass resources as a means of advancing economic, social and ecological well-being, primarily in rural areas.