Joint Statement on Enhancing Digital Economy Cooperation Between the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica on the occasion of the Regional 5G Network Workshop.

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In alignment with our shared values and in response to the evolving digital landscape, the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica announce a strategic commitment to foster open, interoperable, reliable, and secure digital infrastructure in Costa Rica.  This is highlighted by our collaboration at the Regional 5G Network Workshop, organized by the United States in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Affirming the foundational principles outlined in the 2021 Prague Proposals on Telecommunication Supplier Diversity, our dialogues focus on enhancing digital connectivity, ensuring cybersecurity, and supporting innovation across our digital economies.  Discussions have spanned crucial areas including the promotion of secure 5G and future 6G wireless technologies, development of the digital economy through public-private partnerships, and international cooperation on digital issues.

Both nations emphasize the necessity of developing secure, resilient, and open 5G networks globally, recognizing their significance in upholding trust within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ecosystem, as well as their value for protecting privacy, intellectual property, and human rights.

Our collaborative efforts are directed toward promoting the multistakeholder system for internet governance and incorporating broad participation.

To further collaboration, the United States and Costa Rica intend to engage in the following initiatives:

Telecommunications Supplier Diversity:  Based on the 2021 Prague Proposals on Telecommunications Supplier Diversity, we aim to enhance telecommunications supplier diversity in Latin America. This involves exploring Open RAN-based approaches to 4G/5G through technical support, feasibility studies, and fostering telecommunications innovation.

Research and Development:  Focusing on 5G and 6G technologies, we seek to advance research and development on open and interoperable network architectures, thereby stimulating technological progress and innovation.

Cybersecurity:  We seek to share resources and best practices to assist in maintaining robust public and private digital infrastructure as well as to develop the cybersecurity workforce.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance:  We seek to develop a governance framework for AI that champions democratic values, human rights, and maintains a competitive, innovation-friendly ecosystem, and respects intellectual property rights, including copyrights.

Cloud Infrastructure:  We intend to share best practices to maintain robust cloud infrastructure, enhance cooperation on research and development, and promote industry growth in both nations.

Unlicensed Spectrum Use:  We intend to advocate for the unlicensed use of the 6GHz band to support wireless connectivity and innovation, especially in Latin America.

This statement serves as a testament to the burgeoning partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica, and a strategic alignment with and affirmation of the visionary principles encapsulated within the 2021 Prague Proposals on Telecommunications Supplier Diversity.  It represents a pivotal milestone to harness the transformative power of digital technology for the enhancement of economic vitality, the fortification of security frameworks, and the overall betterment of our societies, grounded in the esteemed values and objectives shared by our countries.

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