China, Costa Rica sign 11 co-op agreements

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-18-2008 08:48

Chinese President Hu Jintao has held talks with Costa Rican counterpart Oscar Arias Sanchez in San Jose. Hu spoke highly of the rapid development of China-Costa Rica relations, pledging efforts to further expand bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Chinese President Hu Jintao(L) meets with Costa Rican  President Oscar Arias(R) in San Jose, Costa Rica, Nov. 17,  2008.(Xinhua/Fan Rujun)

After the welcoming ceremony held in the President's residency on Monday, Hu Jintao held talks with Costa Rican President, Oscar Arias Sanchez.

During the talks, Hu noted that mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields has been growing steadily.

The Chinese president also praised the fast growth in bilateral ties over the past year, including fruitful cooperation in international and regional affairs. President Hu expressed his hope that both countries will continue making efforts to develop long-term, sound and stable relations, as well as cooperation.

Hu Jintao says the two countries should strengthen their economic cooperation mechanisms, expanding areas of win-win cooperation. He also expressed his hope the two sides would reach agreement on a free trade pact at an early date. And do so in a spirit of friendly consultations and mutual understanding and accommodation.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government will continue to encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Costa Rica. And it will also support pragmatic cooperation between enterprises of the two countries. Especially in such areas as infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications and energy.

President Arias agreed with the Chinese leader's views, stressing the importance of strengthening trade and economic ties with China. He says Costa Rica hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in various sectors, including port construction, development of high-tech parks and Chinese language teaching.

Arias also says he hopes the two countries will establish a dialogue mechanism at a higher level to further promote the development of bilateral ties.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the global financial crisis, agreeing to step up coordination and cooperation in global affairs.

After their meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 11 cooperation agreements. The documents dealt with trade, the economy, finance, energy, education and technology. The two leaders also announced the launch of bilateral negotiations on a free trade pact.

Editor:Zhang Ning