On the afternoon of August 22 local time, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias met with a visiting Chinese government delegation.

Conveying a letter from Chinese President Hu Jintao to Arias, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei, also the delegation head, 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. He said China sincerely wishes Costa Rica even greater achievements in its national development, expressing hope that Costa Rica would play a growing role in international and regional affairs. 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.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between Costa Rica and China has opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, Arias said, expressing his wish for continuous development of the relations. 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.

Chinese Ambassador to Costa Rica Wang Xiaoyuan, Vice Commerce Minister Ma Xiuhong and other officials attended the meeting.