Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top
political advisory body, arrived in Harare Friday on an official
good-will visit as guest of the Zimbabwean parliament.
In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport,
Jia said China and Zimbabwe enjoy profound traditional
friendship.
Over the years, Jia said, thanks to the concerted efforts of the
two governments and peoples, Sino-Zimbabwean friendly and
cooperative relations, having withstood the test of time, have
grown stronger.
He said China values its relations with Zimbabwe and finds in
Zimbabwe a good friend, dear brother and close partner.
China is committed to working with Zimbabwe to strengthen
political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and
advance its friendly and cooperative relations with Zimbabwe, said
Jia.
He said he looks forward to meeting Zimbabwean leaders and
exchanging views with them on building on the success of the
Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and further
growing China's relations with Zimbabwe.
He said he also hopes to have extensive contacts with public
representatives of Zimbabwe and contribute to greater understanding
and friendship between the two countries and two peoples.
"I am confident that this visit will further strengthen China's
relations with Zimbabwe," said Jia.
Zimbabwe is the third leg of Jia's visit to four African
countries, which has already taken him to Tunisia and Ghana, and
will also take him to Kenya.
(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2007)
