Nevertheless, considering that Costa Rica generally supports the U.S. in international fora, especially in the areas of democracy and human rights, modern day relations are very strong.

[3] The two countries share growing concerns for the environment and want to preserve Costa Rica's tropical resources and prevent environmental degradation.

Through provision of more than $100 million in assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Costa Rican efforts to stabilize its economy and broaden and accelerate economic growth through policy reforms and trade liberalization.

However, USAID completed a $9 million project in 2000–01 to support refugees of Hurricane Mitch residing in Costa Rica.

The Bush Administration stopped international financial organization loans to the government of Costa Rica after Arias expropriated land on which a secret mile-long airstrip was built.

However, there was an internal dispute (within Costa Rica) regarding the entrance of United States naval forces as support for U.S. Coast Guard activities.

[10] While Costa Rica is concerned about the threat of illegal drug-related activities, it has a tradition of demilitarization and peaceful conflict resolution.

Costa Rican Congressman Luis Fishman stated his concern saying that "This gives a blank check to American troops", while opposition legislator Juan Carlos Mendoza added, "The type of armament leads one to believe that these operations are more military in character, rather than for combating drug trafficking".