Our embassy co-organized Queen Mathilde's visit to Costa Rica

Queen Mathilde recently visited Costa Rica as Honorary President of UNICEF Belgium. Our embassy in Panama helped set up the programme and arranged a meeting with the Costa Rican presidential couple.
 

House of Joy

The Belgian press covered it extensively: from 9 to 12 February 2025, Queen Mathilde travelled to Costa Rica in Central America in her capacity as Honorary President of the Belgian branch of UNICEF, the UN Children's Fund. Every two years, she visits UNICEF projects abroad, with children and young people always being the focus.

While in Costa Rica, she visited, among other places, a Casa de la Alegría - a House of Joy. These houses provide care for the children of seasonal workers who help with the coffee harvest, offering them lessons and various leisure activities. The agenda also included a visit to one of the Child and Adolescent Safe Spaces, which provide secure environments for children and adolescents from highly vulnerable communities, as well as the Llovera Foundation, supported by UNICEF, which helps migrant families integrate into Costa Rican society.
 

Eyes and ears

The organization of the busy visit was shared by UNICEF Belgium and the Palace, while UNICEF Costa Rica took care of the more practical matters. However, our embassy in Panama, which is responsible for Costa Rica, also made a significant contribution. The entire staff went above and beyond, especially Ambassador Daniel Bertrand and his deputy Julie Waerzeggers.

Our embassies and consulates are often described as 'our eyes and ears on the ground,' serving in the best interest of our country. They are also ready to assist whenever a high-ranking Belgian official visits a country within their jurisdiction. For instance for all Belgian ministers (not exclusively the Minister of Foreign Affairs) and even a member of the royal family.

Airplane

"Right from the start in March-April 2024, we held a video conference with UNICEF and the Palace," says Ambassador Bertrand. "This was followed by a fact-finding mission at the end of October 2024, and from February 4 to 9, 2025, a pre-mission to finalize the last details." Given that our embassy is based in Panama, this naturally required traveling to neighboring Costa Rica.

The preliminary missions enabled us to test the entire programme and route. UNICEF Costa Rica suggested places worth visiting, but how feasible were the transfers? One project was located deep in the jungle and could only be reached by a small airplane. And could an escort be arranged for the Queen on each occasion?

“Because there's one thing that's very specific to a royal visit, namely that security receives extra attention,” emphasizes Bertrand. “Luckily, we had prior experience with another visit to Costa Rica, specifically that of Bart De Wever, then mayor of Antwerp, and his counterpart from Rotterdam.”

Casa Presidencial

Our embassy also ensured that doors opened at a high level. “For instance, we immediately informed the Chief of Protocol of Costa Rica, and met with him during the pre-missions,” says Bertrand. “Each country has its own way of operating, and you need to get acquainted with those rules.”

Our colleagues even managed to secure an appointment with Costa Rican President Chaves and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The presidential couple warmly welcomed Queen Mathilde at the presidential palace, the Casa Presidencial. This was followed by a meeting chaired by the Costa Rican Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended by representatives from UNICEF, our embassy colleagues, and other members of the Costa Rican government.

Throughout the entire mission, Ambassador Bertrand and his deputy accompanied the royal delegation. Along the way, our ambassador provided the Queen with additional information about each upcoming visit. Additionally, our honorary consul in Costa Rica was of great assistance. Living locally, he greeted the Queen at the airport in the capital, San José.
 

Most vulnerable

In any case, the collaboration with UNICEF Belgium, UNICEF Costa Rica, and the Palace went smoothly. “We were constantly in touch via phone, WhatsApp, or email. In fact, we played somewhat of a coordinating role between the various entities, including the ten or so Belgian journalists and the Costa Rican security services.”

Such a visit clearly pays off, especially in terms of diplomatic relations. "In a sense, it was an honor for Costa Rica to host the Queen. The presidential couple welcomed her as a head of state. At her departure, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs was present. It's fair to say the visit also reflected well on the other countries in the region."

And of course, Queen Mathilde's visit also gave heart to the many children and young people she met as well as to UNICEF. Afterwards, the Queen stated that especially the testimonies of the refugees and their young children—about their experiences on the way—had been deeply moving. The mission in Costa Rica perfectly aligned with her task: to be the voice of the most vulnerable in society.