As I previously explained in my blog post “Farewell to the Costa Rica Honorary Consulate” (link), I requested to resign in November 2021. My decision stemmed from a desire to focus more on my sustainability initiatives and because, in my opinion, I had already exceeded a reasonable term for a public position—having served nearly 14 years. The official resignation took place in December.
In line with a promise I had made to Manuel González Sanz, who served as Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister from 2014 to 2018, I scheduled one final official visit for late-January to early-February 2022. The goal was to formally introduce Mert Büke, whom I would recommend as my successor.
The Extension Before Resigning
To offer some context: after completing 10 years in the role, I initially informed Foreign Minister González Sanz of my intention to resign. He persuaded me to continue, saying something along the lines of, “Where are we going to find someone else who shares your values, does the job the way you do, and remains this idealistic?” After a half-hour conversation, we concluded. I told them there was someone I had in mind for the role, but unfortunately, he had recently moved abroad. I added, “Let’s not assume I must step down next year. Let me stay on until we find someone to pass the torch to. Would that work for you?” The minister nodded, we shook hands, and I later accompanied him and the deputy undersecretary to the airport.
The person I had in mind back then was Mert Büke. When I asked if he would consider the position, he explained that he had just gotten married and moved to the Netherlands. He told me that had he been living in Istanbul, he would have accepted the role without hesitation.
Why Mert Büke?
Why was Mert the first person I thought of? Simply put, no one living in Turkey knows Costa Rica better than he does. He owns a company there and comes from the family behind Verita, a well-known Turkish company and the country’s largest importer of pineapples and tropical fruit. Mert serves as Verita’s country director for Costa Rica.
He travels to Costa Rica at least 3–4 times a year and oversees operations even in remote areas. Beyond doing business, he has built a strong network there. Most importantly, he’s a young, dynamic, and upstanding person, someone I trust deeply. He’s respectful, understands both business and diplomacy, and is well-versed in the cultures of both countries.
That’s why Mert was my first choice. I tried to nominate him back then, but since he had relocated to the Netherlands, my plan didn’t materialize. Still, I had made a promise to the minister to recommend someone capable of succeeding me.
A representative photo we took with Mert at the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Reintroducing the Proposal
Fast forward about three years—Mert called and said, “Serhan abi, I’m moving back to Istanbul. Let’s grab dinner if you’re free.” Over dinner, we revisited the consulship topic. When he signaled that he was now ready, and since I was already planning to fully step back, I decided to nominate him officially.
In late January 2022, after a lovely one-week vacation, we visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in San José, Costa Rica, together. Despite getting food poisoning on the last day of the trip, we quickly recovered and entered the Ministry’s famous yellow building with renewed energy.
All the relevant ministry officials, including Foreign Minister Rodolfo Solano, were present during this visit. After introducing Mert during a series of formal meetings, we moved on to the minister’s office.
A Promising Start
Our meeting with the minister went exceptionally well. He thanked me—very graciously—for my years of service. He also expressed his gratitude for introducing a strong candidate like Mert Büke and said the handover would be completed within two weeks. He reassured us that Istanbul could not be left vacant.
I want to emphasize that multiple people—both Costa Rican and Turkish—were in the room and witnessed the conversation firsthand.
Following these affirming discussions, I was presented with an official letter of appreciation:
“As a token of appreciation for his outstanding career as Costa Rica’s Honorary Consul in Istanbul, and in recognition of his honesty, diligence, and commitment, we thank Mr. Hasan Serhan Süzer for his valuable contributions in strengthening our country’s consular operations.”
A Joyful Visit Ends
We left the Ministry feeling optimistic. Throughout the week, we participated in a series of delightful events, including a dinner hosted by Turkey’s then-Ambassador Fatma Pihava Ünlü. I also had the chance to reconnect with close friends, including former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.
Before returning home, we managed to spend a day in Panama, briefly exploring the country before catching our direct flight back to Istanbul.
A Sudden Shift Post-Elections
Back in Turkey, I waited about two weeks before following up with the Foreign Ministry. They said, “We’re tracking it.” I checked back 10 days later—same answer.
Due to procedural requirements, Mert had to initiate his application through Costa Rica’s embassy in Ankara. Unfortunately, the bureaucratic process there dragged on unnecessarily long, causing us to lose valuable time between February and May.
By May, national elections took place in Costa Rica, and the entire cabinet—including the foreign minister—changed. Though many of the same bureaucrats remained, the tone shifted dramatically. The once-assured “We’ll appoint him immediately” turned into a vague “We’ll see and get back to you.”
At that point, I stepped back from the process and let Mert handle it himself. About a year later, he was notified that his application had been rejected.
Frankly, I believe the Costa Rican Foreign Ministry failed in managing this transition. Not only were promises broken, but the communication became erratic and inconsistent. I suspect someone interfered behind the scenes, although I won’t make any public accusations here. If officials reach out to me again, I will share my thoughts—including my perspective on the toxic administrative culture that emerged in Turkey after my departure from the role.
A Final Blog Post in the Works
Sometime this year, I plan to write one last piece reflecting on my 14-year tenure as Honorary Consul—highlighting my experiences and the people (both good and bad) who left a mark on me.
I genuinely love Costa Rica and its people. Except for three individuals I’ve had unfortunate encounters with, everyone I’ve met from Costa Rica has been wonderful. That’s why I still hope a diplomatic structure worthy of them will prevail in our region.
Why Antalya Before Istanbul?
While discussions were ongoing about filling the position in Istanbul, a new Honorary Consul was suddenly appointed in Antalya—despite no appointment being made for Istanbul.
Without passing judgment on the appointee (whom I don’t know personally), I must ask: why leave Istanbul, a key city, vacant while appointing someone in a city with relatively little connection to Costa Rica? Based on what criteria was this person chosen? How well do they know Costa Rica? How many times have they been there? Do they speak Spanish? What are their plans for enhancing the diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties between the two nations?
These are all valid questions. That said, I’d still like to congratulate the new Honorary Consul in Antalya and hope they serve the post honorably.
On a broader note, diplomatic appointments—and indeed all aspects of public administration—should be guided by merit and transparency, not personal interests. I’m considering writing another piece in the future on how to ensure good governance through a more open and efficient state structure.
Bonus: All My Writings on Costa Rica
Farewell to Costa Rica’s honorary consul:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rika-fahri-konsolosluguna-veda
Latin American countries preparing to celebrate their 200th anniversary:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/200-yillarini-kutlamaya-hazirlanan-latin-amerika-ulkeleri
Happy 200th Anniversary to Costa Rica!:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rikanin-200-yili-kutlu-olsun
The last general elections in Costa Rica and what they taught us:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rikadaki-son-secimler-ve-bize-ogrettikleri
Costa Rica and the unbearable poetry of existence:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rika-ve-varolmanin-dayanilmaz-siirselligi
Political thought in Latin America and its adaptation to our region:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/latin-amerikada-politik-dusunce-ve-bolgemize-uyarlamasi
Honorary Consulate of Costa Rica: Ok, should we continue?:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rika-fahri-konsoloslugu-tamam-mi-devam-mi-
Jose Sancho Exhibition: A story of art and friendship:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/jose-sancho-sergisi-bir-sanat-ve-dostluk-oykusu
My Pura Vida bond with Costa Rica will never be broken:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rika-ile-pura-vida-bagim-hicbir-zaman-kopmayacak
Entering my final term as Honorary Consul of Costa Rica:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rika-fahri-konsolosu-olarak-son-doneme-girerken
5 years as Honorary Consul of Costa Rica (2010-2015):
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rika-fahri-konsolosu-olarak-gecen-5-yil-2010-2015
“2009: A turning point in Türkiye-Costa Rica relations:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/2009-turkiye-kosta-rika-iliskilerinde-donum-yili
My experiences as Honorary Consul of Costa Rica in Istanbul:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/kosta-rika-istanbul-fahri-konsolosu-olarak-yasadiklarim
Costa Rica at the World Cup:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/dunya-kupasinda-kosta-rika
“Pura Vida” or “Infusing Life with Meaning”:
https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/pura-vida-veya-yasami-anlamla-donatmak
