Closer ties with Costa Rica pledged

President Kim Dae-Jung held talks with visiting Costa Rican President Miguel Angel Rodriguez at the presidential mansion of Cheong Wa Dae on Friday afternoon. The two leaders discussed mutual concerns on how to develop bilateral relations and promote trade.

Kim acclaimed the leading role of Costa Rica in the advancement of democracy and regional integration of Central America. Rodriguez promised to continue to endorse the efforts of the Seoul government for peace and rapport on the Korean peninsula.

A 6-point joint statement was released at the end of the summit in which the two countries recognized their shared need for closer cooperation for economic growth.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com