Costa Rican president wishes for ever closer ties with China

Source: Xinhuanet | 08-24-2007 08:06

Costa Rica's President Oscar Arias (L) shakes hands with visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei in San Jose, capital of Costa Rica, Aug. 22, 2007. He Yafei led a commercial delegation to visit Costa Rica after the two countries established diplomatic relations in June. (Xinhua Photo)

SAN JOSE, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Costa Rican President Oscar Arias said on Wednesday that he hoped the country's relations with China will be further developed and deepened.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between Costa Rica and China has opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, Arias told a visiting Chinese delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei.

The two countries established diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level on June 1.

Arias paid tribute to the tremendous achievements China has scored in its economic development and social progress, as well as China's increasingly important role in international affairs, adding that his country is ready to draw upon China's experience.

He reiterated his country's adherence to the one China policy.

Conveying a letter from Chinese President Hu Jintao to Arias, He Yafei said the Chinese side speaks highly of the historic contribution made by Arias himself to the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and appreciates the one-China policy of the Costa Rican government.

China hopes that Costa Rica would play a growing role in international affairs, the Chinese official said.

He said the establishment of diplomatic ties offers a broad prospect for the two sides to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation in politics, economy, culture, science and technology and tourism.

China is ready to work together with Costa Rica to push forward the all-round development of friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Editor:Du Xiaodan