China, Costa Rica to boost legislation cooperation

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), holds talks with Costa Rican Legislative Assembly President Luis Fernando Mendoza, in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2013. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Top chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang met Costa Rican Legislative Assembly President Luis Fernando Mendoza on Tuesday and pledged to boost legislation cooperation between the two countries.

Hailing the development of bilateral ties since China and Costa Rica established diplomatic relations six years ago, Zhang said China will make joint efforts with Costa Rica to implement the outcomes of President Xi Jinping's latest visit to the Latin American country to further strengthen friendly cooperation.

Xi made a state visit to Costa Rica last month and held talks with his Costa Rican counterpart, Laura Chinchilla. The two presidents agreed to enhance communication and exchanges between the governments, legislatures and political parties of the two countries, so as to consolidate mutual trust.

They also agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in the sectors of economy, trade, culture, education, sports and tourism in the next few years.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said bilateral cooperation will not only benefit the two nations, but also set a good example for the the development of the relationship between China and other Latin American countries.

Interactions between legislatures are an important part of the state-state relationship, Zhang said, suggesting the two sides should enhance mutual trust, boost economic cooperation and exchange experience of governance.

According to Zhang, China will firmly support Costa Rica's adherence to the country's development path in accordance with its own national conditions, and he thanked the Costa Rican side for sticking to the one-China policy involving Taiwan- and Tibet-related issues among others.

The two sides should continue to support each other regarding issues involving core interests, said the top Chinese legislator.

Mendoza said the people of the two countries have come to know each other better and better and their national sentiments have improved with the increased interactions.

Costa Rica looks forward to closer cooperation with China politically, economically and culturally, he said, adding that his country is willing to play an important role in promoting the relationship between China and other Latin American countries.

The Costa Rican Legislative Assembly is willing to boost cooperation with the NPC to promote reciprocal cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, tourism and other areas as well as sub-national cooperation.

During the meeting, Mendoza also reiterated that Costa Rica will continue to adhere to the one-China policy.