SAN JOSE, February 6, 2008 (WAFA)-Costa Rica has decided to establish diplomatic ties tih the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). The arrival of the Palistenian ambassador is imminent, according to a government statement.

Costa Rica and Palestine hope to strengthen their existing friendship and co-operation by establishing diplomatic relations, said the Costa Rican foreign ministry.

Costa Rica's relationship with the PNA is a step in the country's aim to have good relations with the Arab world, as Costa Rican embassies are no in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon and Yemen, part of the 15 diplomatic relationships established during the Arias administration since May 2006.