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)
