On November 16, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the Costa Rican capital of San José for a state visit to the Central American nation.

At 15: 30 local time, Hu’s special plane arrived at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José. President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing were warmly welcomed by the Costa Rican foreign minister at the airport.

In a written speech issued upon his arrival at the airport, Hu said Costa Rica is an important country in Central America and also an important cooperation partner of China in the region. Since China and Costa Rica established diplomatic ties in June 2007, bilateral relations have developed rapidly and friendly cooperation has been expanded in various fields, he said. "China and Costa Rica, both as developing nations, share the common task of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development," Hu said. Hu expressed hope that the two peoples will learn from each other and offer mutual support and assistance to push bilateral friendly cooperative relations for long-term stable, healthy development.

The Chinese leader said that during his visit he will exchange views with President Oscar Arias Sanchez and other Costa Rican leaders on bilateral ties and major international issues of common concern. Hu expressed his belief that with the careful arrangement by President Arias and the Costa Rican government, his visit would fulfill the goal of deepening friendship, strengthening mutual trust, enhancing cooperation and seeking common development.

The accompanying officials including Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Costa Rica Wang Xiaoyuan and the staff of the embassy also greeted Hu and his delegation at the airport.

The Chinese president flew into San José by special plane from Washington, where he attended the Group of 20 summit on the financial markets and world economy. He will later visit Cuba, Peru and Greece, and attend the Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in the Peruvian capital of Lima.