JOINT STATEMENT

Foreign Minister of the Republic of Costa Rica Mr. Roberto Rojas has paid an official visit to Turkey on 16-17 April 2001 upon the invitation of Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey Mr. İsmail Cem.

During this first official visit of a Costa Rican Foreign Minister to Turkey, fruitful exchange of views have been realized with respect to all aspects of bilateral relations and regional affairs of mutual interest.

Having evaluated the current state of relations between the two countries, the Ministers have agreed that there exists a potential for further enhancement of cooperation in all aspects of bilateral affairs, in multilateral forums and international organizations.

The Ministers have emphasized the need for establishment of a mechanism for regular political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of both countries and for this purpose have signed a "Memorandum of Understanding for the Establishment of Political Consultations".

Aspiring to promote the strengthening of the already existing friendly ties and reciprocal understanding between the two countries, the Ministers have decided to coordinate their efforts to develop new areas of cooperation especially in trade, education, tourism and cultural affairs.

The Ministers have emphasized the need for further strengthening of economic and trade relations between the two countries and have agreed to take appropriate measures to promote every possible opportunity for the businessmen of both countries to come together.

With this understanding, the Ministers have signed a "Framework Agreement on Technical Cooperation".

The Turkish side has reiterated its intention to open an Embassy in San Jose and Costa Rican side has stated the possibility to open an Honorary Consulate-General in Ankara in the nearest future.

Costa Rican Foreign Minister Rojas reemphasized his satisfaction for the acceptance in principle of Turkish Foreign Minister Cem to pay an official visit to Costa Rica to continue bilateral contacts and also to participate in the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly to be held on 3-5 June 2001 in San Jose.