Chinese, Costa Rican presidents vow to further ties

President Hu Jintao and his Costa Rican counterpart Laura Chinchilla Miranda on Thursday pledged to further their cooperation, as this year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of ties.

President Hu hailed the current state of bilateral relations, adding that he appreciates Costa Rica's adherence to the one-China policy.

"The establishment and development of Sino-Costa Rican relations has benefited both sides and promoted understanding and cooperation between China and Latin American states," Hu said.

Chinchilla, who is in Beijing for a weeklong visit, said she appreciates the assistance China has given to her country.

President Hu said both sides should bolster high-level contacts, enhance political mutual trust and support each other on core issues.

He called on the two sides to expand and diversify trade, pledging further cooperation in infranstructure, energy, investment and agriculture.

China supports Costa Rica in hosting the seventh Chinese-Latin American entrepreneur summit, Hu said.

President Hu also called for enriched exchanges in humanities, science and technology, as well as enhanced consultations on multilateral affairs.

Chinchilla said both countries should increase trade and two-way investment. She said Costa Rica welcomes Chinese investment and pledged to further cooperation in energy and infrastructure construction.

Chinchilla vowed to enhance coordination with China within international organizations, including the United Nations.

The two presidents also agreed to strengthen cooperation between China and Latin American countries.

After their talks, Hu and Chinchilla witnessed the signing of eight cooperative agreements covering the agriculture, healthcare and civil aviation sectors.

Chinchilla arrived in Shanghai on Sunday to start her state visit, her first visit to China since taking office in May 2010.