On June 3 local time, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan received the Key to the City of San Jose from Johnny Araya, the Mayor, in San Jose, capital of Costa Rica.

At the ceremony, Xi Jinping and Mme. Peng Liyuan took from Araya the Key to the City of San Jose and the Honoured Guest Certificate. Araya said that the Key to the City is the highest honour San Jose presented to the foreign friends. San Jose welcomes President Xi Jinping and Mme. Peng Liyuan, thanks China for the friendship and support to the city. San Jose hopes to strengthen its ties with China. Araya expressed his hope to visit China again.

Xi Jinping said, Mayor Araya presented me the Key to the City of San Jose and the title of the Honoured Guest, it is not only an honour for myself, but also the embodiment of Costa Rican people's friendship to the Chinese people. Hope that the two countries will strengthen local exchanges and enhance the mutual understanding and friendship of the two peoples.

Xi Jinping told Araya, I will welcome you in Beijing as the "Honoured Guest" of the City of San Jose.

Prior to the ceremony, Xi Jinping had a meeting with Araya. Xi Jinping said, during my visit this time, I have reached broad consensus with Costa Rican leaders on developing friendly cooperative relations between the two countries. Local exchanges are important platforms for bilateral cooperation. With its well-deserved reputation as a "Garden City", the City of San Jose can carry out exchanges and cooperation with China on green technology and environmental protection. The Chinese government supports the City of San Jose in conducting exchanges with China.

Araya said that, as the Sister City of both Beijing and Guangzhou, San Jose is in the best position to witness and experience the fruitful cooperation between the two countries. The National Stadium, the Confucius Institute and the China Street , which were build up with the assistance from China, have all become the new landmarks of Costa Rica, and as well the important symbols of friendship between the two peoples. It is sure that President Xi Jinping's visit will give a strong boost to bilateral cooperation.

Yang Jiechi and others were present at the ceremony.

Yang Jiechi attended the above activities.