Ambassador to Costa Rica

N.M. Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Andrew E Salas, Costa Rican Minster of Public Security Gustavo Mata, and U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, S. Fitzgerald Haney, celebrate the 10-year New Mexico National Guard/Costa Rica partnership.

The Adjutant General of New Mexico, Brig. Gen. Andrew E Salas, made an official visit this month to Costa Rica September 12 - 15, 2016 to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of State Partnership Program between the Republic of Costa Rica and the state of New Mexico.

"We brought greetings and salutations from Governor (Susana) Martinez, and we were in turn provided nothing less than a "red-carpet" treatment, with a clear and pronounced demonstration of the strong bonds between the nation of Costa Rica and New Mexico and the United States of America," Salas said.

For more than 10 years, Costa Rica and New Mexico have made many military exchanges with experts in the various fields including medical lifesaver events, weapons maintenance, non-lethal personal defense, border security workshops and other events.

“New Mexico will continue to champion and take point for the National Guard's Western Hemispheric Strategy - in full partnership and synchronization with SOUTHCOM, JIATF-S, ARSOUTH, AFSOUTH, USCG, and the Ambassador's Country Team," Salas said.

During the four-day visit, Salas had the opportunity to meet with various officials of the Costa Rica security forces to continue fostering the growth and development of the New Mexico National Guard's State Partnership Program with this Central American country. Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the NMNG have participated in visits and exchanges for almost 10 years with Costa Rica, which formally became a SPP partner in 2006.

Salas had significant and productive discussions with Costa Rica Ambassador S. Fitzgerald Haney, Deputy Chief of Mission Robin Matthewman, Representatives of SOUTHCOM and others with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Office and the Ambassador's Country Team, Minister of Public Security Gustavo Mata and Vice Minister Bernadita Marin, Director of the Servicio de Vigilancia Aerea Capt. Juan Vargas, Director of the Police Academy Col. Erik Lacayo, Director of the Border Police Col. Juan Andrade, Coast Guard Deputy Director Lt. Rudolfo Murillo along with Coast Guard Academy Comandante Mario Barrientos Zuniga  - and many others of the staff of all these directorates and offices.

The State Partnership Program is a part of the Department of Defense, under the National Guard Bureau, located in Washington D.C. This program was established in 1993 to unite National Guard states and territories with the Armed Forces of other countries, aiming to expand and strengthen defense cooperation and military relations among nations.

Currently, there are 70 partnerships among U.S. states and territories with countries around the world. Of which, there are 27 associations among countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America.