On November 17, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Francisco Pacheco, president of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly in San José.

Hu said the establishment of China-Costa Rica diplomatic ties has opened up a new chapter for their friendly exchanges and also laid a solid foundation for pragmatic cooperation in all areas. With the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral ties have been developing rapidly over the past year with expanding cooperation in all areas, which has brought tangible benefits to both peoples. Facts have proven that the establishment and development of friendly cooperative relations between the two countries serves the fundamental interest of both countries and their peoples and has won support from the two peoples.

The Costa Rican legislators come from different political parties, but they have the consensus on maintaining and developing the friendship between the two countries, Hu said. Bilateral ties face new opportunities for development, he said, expressing hope that both sides will advance pragmatic cooperation in a comprehensive manner and continuously enrich the connotations of China-Costa Rica friendly cooperative relations for the benefit of both peoples. The Chinese president hoped the two countries' legislative bodies would strengthen contacts and make efforts to promote mutual understanding. He also expressed the hope that Costa Rican legislators would play a greater role as a bridge linking up the two countries' business communities, cultural bodies, scientific institutes, news media and local governments in efforts to consolidate and expand the social foundation for the friendship between the two nations.

Expressing warm welcome to Hu Jintao, Pacheco said China, as a big country with a time-honored history, is of great significance to the development of the world today. The establishment of diplomatic ties has helped promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and also created a favorable environment for strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation. It also plays an important role for Costa Rica’s economic development and makes the future of both sides more full of hope. Before the establishment of diplomatic ties with China, the world of Costa Rica is incomplete. After the establishment of diplomatic ties, Costa Rica now has an "important friend and partner" in the world, he said. Although the two countries are far apart geographically, the hearts of their peoples are closer to each other. Despite their different cultures, the two peoples are friendlier towards each other.

Speaking at the meeting, many Costa Rican legislators from different political parties agreed that the establishment of diplomatic ties is of strategic significance. They also thanked China for providing support and help for Costa Rica in its economic and social development. They pledged to be devoted to pushing forward bilateral friendly cooperative relations.

On the same day, Hu also met with the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Costa Rica and representatives from Chinese-funded institutions and overseas Chinese.

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