November 4, 1982
President Reagan and President Monge met for about 30 minutes in the Oval Office, where they
discussed a number of subjects. First, they discussed the Conference on Free Elections, which is
the reason for President Monge's visit to the United States. At President Reagan's invitation, he
will be addressing the Conference Friday. Both Presidents noted the important contributions it can
provide to the strengthening of democratic institutions. In this regard, they also discussed the San
Jose Conference of October 4, which produced agreement by the eight democratic states
attending on the conditions necessary for the establishment of peace and stability in Central
America. That Conference also created a regional organization to provide technical assistance to
countries wishing to hold democratic elections.
In addition, the Presidents reviewed the status of President Reagan's Caribbean Basin Initiative.
Congress has approved one of the major elements of this initiative -- a $350 million economic
assistance supplemental. President Reagan is treating the remaining elements of the program -- the
trade and investment incentives -- as a top priority and will urge Congress to enact those features
when it returns later this month. He told President Monge he will work hard toward that goal, and
the Costa Rican leader reiterated his strong endorsement of the initiative as vital to the region.
The two Presidents also discussed President Reagan's upcoming trip to Latin America, which
includes a visit to San Jose, where, President Monge told President Reagan, he would be warmly
welcomed.
Also attending the meeting were Costa Rican Foreign Minister Fernando Volio, Costa Rican
Ambassador to the U.S. Harrison, U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica McNeil, Secretary of State
Shultz, Judge [Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs William P.] Clark, and
Assistant Secretary of State Enders.