President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador is set to arrive in Costa Rica next week for an inspiring official visit that showcases the power of international friendship and cooperation. The trip centers on supporting Costa Rica's new high-security facility, the Centro de Alta Contención y Crimen Organizado (CACCO), currently under construction at the La Reforma prison complex in Alajuela.

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves announced the visit during a press conference on Wednesday, sharing his enthusiasm about the partnership. "He comes to inspect the project and put the first stone," Chaves explained, highlighting how the two nations are joining forces on matters that protect their citizens. This collaboration follows a productive December 2025 visit when Chaves toured El Salvador's maximum-security facility and the two leaders signed a security cooperation agreement.

The $32 million CACCO project represents Costa Rica's proactive approach to addressing community safety concerns. Local firm Edificar began construction in late 2025, with officials setting an ambitious target of June 2026 for the opening. The facility will house up to 1,000 high-risk inmates and incorporates advanced surveillance and containment features designed to keep dangerous criminals isolated and communities safe.

What makes this project particularly special is how Costa Rica is adapting proven strategies while staying true to its values. The country continues to honor its no-army tradition and democratic principles even as it takes stronger action against organized crime. President Chaves emphasized this balance, stating, "This is about protecting our people from organized crime."

The Ripple Effect of this partnership extends far beyond just one building. The collaboration demonstrates how Central American nations can support each other in addressing shared challenges like drug trafficking and violent crime. By working together and sharing knowledge, these countries are creating a network of mutual support that benefits entire communities across the region.

The timing of Bukele's visit holds additional significance as Costa Rica prepares for municipal elections on February 2, where security remains a top concern for voters. The project shows government leaders actively listening to community needs and taking concrete action to address them. El Salvador's success in reducing its homicide rate through similar security measures offers hope that Costa Rica can achieve comparable positive results.

Bukele's upcoming visit reciprocates the warm welcome Chaves received in El Salvador and strengthens the bond between these neighboring nations. Government sources indicate the agenda includes productive meetings with Chaves and a site inspection at La Reforma, allowing both leaders to discuss future cooperation opportunities.

This collaboration represents a thoughtful, measured response to real challenges facing Costa Rican families. Rather than acting alone, Costa Rica is learning from its neighbors' experiences while carefully adapting approaches to fit its unique cultural and legal framework. The technical exchanges between the two countries create opportunities for knowledge sharing that will benefit both nations for years to come.

As construction progresses, the CACCO facility symbolizes hope for safer streets and more secure communities. By targeting key figures in criminal networks and limiting their ability to direct violence from behind bars, Costa Rican authorities aim to break cycles of crime that have troubled communities in recent years.

The partnership between Costa Rica and El Salvador shows what's possible when nations choose cooperation over isolation, demonstrating that working together creates stronger, safer futures for everyone.