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

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.

(CCTV November 19, 2008)