Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei on Thursday inaugurated China's Embassy in Costa Rica, after diplomatic ties were established between the two nations on June 1.

Chinese Vice Trade Minister Ma Xiuhong and Wang Xiaoyuan, China's ambassador to Costa Rica, Costa Rican Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno, Treasury Minister Guillermo Zuniga, Foreign Trade Minister Marco Vinicio Ruiz and Second Vice President Kevin Casas participated in the inauguration.

After playing both countries' national anthems and unveiling the plaque identifying the embassy located in western San Jose, He Yafei expressed his appreciation for the Costa Rican government's efforts in helping open this embassy.

He Yafei highly praised the friendly relations between China and Costa Rica, adding that he believed the establishment of the embassy will further enhance bilateral ties. He also praised Costa Rican President Oscar Arias' leadership and political vision to establish diplomatic relations with China.

"Although Costa Rica is far away from China, both are developing countries... Both face the great tasks of seeking national development amid the challenges created by globalization," the Chinese assistant foreign minister said.

Stagno said it is an historic date for Costa Rica and a great achievement for Costa Rican foreign policy.

"It is an excellent start for a new friendship. We have been cultivating this relationship after establishing diplomatic relations with China... From now on, we will harvest friendship," Stagno said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2007)