China extended its congratulations on Wednesday to Laura Fernandez on her election as president of Costa Rica, expressing readiness to promote bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

Fernandez, the candidate from the ruling Sovereign People Party, celebrated her election victory on Sunday.

Costa Rica is an important country in Central America, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, adding that over the past 18 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Costa Rica, relations have enjoyed steady development.

The two countries have made steady progress in exchange and cooperation in various fields for the benefit of the two peoples, he said.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Costa Rica, and stands ready to work with the new government of Costa Rica to act in the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and enrich their strategic partnership, he added.