Chinese President Hu Jintao holds talks with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez in San José

On November 17, 2008, visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Costa Rican counterpart Oscar Arias Sanchez in San José. Both sides spoke highly of the rapid development of China-Costa Rica relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties. They also exchanged in-depth views on the development of bilateral ties and major international and regional issues and reached important consensus.

Noting the fast growth in bilateral ties over the past year, the Chinese president said the two countries have strengthened the basis of their friendship. The exchanges between the governments, legislative bodies and political parties of the two countries have been proceeding steadily with increasing political trust. Both sides have expanded mutually beneficial cooperation on economy, trade, culture, education, science and technology, finance, agriculture, tourism and water conservancy and also carried out fruitful cooperation in international and regional affairs. "Facts have proven that the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Costa Rica conforms to the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries and peoples," Hu said. The relations between the two countries are of great vitality and can withstand the tests of time, he added.

Hu pointed out that China and Costa Rica should focus efforts on the following three aspects to advance bilateral ties. First, grasp the direction for the development of bilateral friendly cooperative relations. It is a common aspiration of both peoples to push for long-term sound, stable development of the friendly cooperative relations. "China is ready to work with Costa Rica to open up a bright future for bilateral ties characterized by mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, sincere cooperation and friendship for generations to come," he added. Second, build the important mechanisms and platforms of China-Costa Rica friendly cooperative relations. The two countries should strengthen their cooperation mechanisms, expand areas of cooperation and enrich cooperation connotations. Hu hoped the two sides would reach agreement on a free trade pact at an early date, in the spirit of friendly consultations and mutual understanding and accommodation. The Chinese government will continue to encourage and support competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Costa Rica, he said. It will also support pragmatic cooperation between enterprises of the two countries in such key areas as infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications and energy, he added. Third, cultivate the social basis for bilateral friendly cooperative relations. China encourages the governments, legislative bodies and political parties of the two countries to enhance political dialogue and build up mutual understanding. Efforts should be made to support cultural activities and cultural exchange programs in each other to expand mutual influence. The exchanges between media, colleges, scientific research institutions and non-governmental organizations of the two countries should also be encouraged. China is ready to enhance cooperation with Costa Rica within the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other international and regional organizations, to coordinate positions and jointly safeguard legitimate rights and interests of the two countries and other developing countries.

Arias agreed with Hu's views and proposals. He expressed hope that this visit will help further push forward bilateral diplomatic and trade relations. He thanked for China’s assistance for Costa Rica’s economic and social development and its fight against hurricane and flooding disasters.

Arias said the Costa Rican government is now committed to enhancing infrastructure construction, developing high-tech industry and building a multilingual country. He stressed the importance of strengthening trade and economic ties with China in this process. Costa Rica hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in port construction, development of high-tech parks as well as Chinese language teaching, he said.

"The enhancement of Sino-Latin American mutually beneficial cooperation is conducive to our common development," Hu said, noting that the Chinese government has issued a Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean recently. China is ready to work with all Latin American countries to build all-round cooperative ties with Latin America featuring mutual benefit and common development. He also hoped that Costa Rica will exert positive influence on the development of China-Latin America relations.

Arias said the issuing of the Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean is a big event. He hoped the two countries would establish a dialogue mechanism at a higher level so as to further promote the development of bilateral ties.

Upon request, President Hu briefed on the G20 summit on financial markets and world economy. The two leaders also exchanged views on such issues as coping with the global financial crisis, promoting world economic growth and maintaining world peace and stability. They agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs.

After their meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 11 cooperation agreements on trade, economy, finance, energy, education and technology.

Later, the two presidents jointly met the press and announced the launch of bilateral negotiations on a free trade pact.

Prior to the talks, Hu attended a grand welcoming ceremony held by President Arias.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the above activities.