CCTV9英语新闻：China, Costa Rica announce strategic partnership（在线收听）

Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis is on a state visit to China from January 4-10, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Costa Rica President Luis Guillermo Solis after a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2015. Xi and Solis held talks here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Solis at the Great Hall of the People this afternoon.

During the meeting, Xi and Solis announced the establishment of a strategic partnership of mutual trust and win-win cooperation.

Xi said the announcement shows they are ready to promote bilateral relations. He stressed the importance of understanding and supporting each other's needs.

The Chinese president also urged work on a 2016-2020 China-Costa Rica cooperation plan and the continuation of the existing free-trade agreements between the two countries.

Solis said the Costa Rican government and people are grateful for China's support in their economic development. He expressed wishes that they would deepen cooperation in various fields.

The two leaders will also attend a ministerial forum for officials from China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). The two-day forum begins Thursday and will also be attended by the presidents of Ecuador, the Bahamas and Venezuela.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for Costa Rica President Luis Guillermo Solis before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)