Laura Fernandez was sworn in as Costa Rica’s new president, pledging to combat rising crime and maintain strong ties with the United States.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the signing of the EU–Armenia Partnership Agreement on transport infrastructure. The document was signed during the European Political Community summit held in Yerevan.

In a rare political development in Costa Rica, outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves will continue to serve in the government even after leaving office on Friday.

The United States has canceled tourist visas for five of the seven board members of La Nación, Costa Rica’s leading newspaper, a move local groups called unprecedented and a threat to press freedom.

"The 8th European Political Community Summit became possible thanks to the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia," President of the European Council, António Costa, said during the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan.

The summit of the European Political Community begins in Yerevan today.