Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong arrived in Tunis Sunday afternoon to start his first official visit to the Republic of Tunisia.

Zeng was met at the Carthage international airport by Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, who gave Zeng a warm welcome reception at the airport.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival, Zeng said Sino-Tunisian friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples although the two countries are far away in distance.

The two nations have expanded cooperation in different fields with remarkable achievements since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago, he said, adding that deepening Sino-Tunisian friendly cooperative ties is conducive to the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

"My visit to Tunisia is to strengthen understanding, to deepen friendship and to promote cooperation," the Chinese vice president said.

He expressed his belief that his visit would further strengthen the friendship between the two countries and push forward the development of bilateral cooperation.

Zeng is scheduled to hold talks with the Tunisian prime minister, focusing on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

Zeng will meet Tunisian President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali and National Assembly President Fouad Mebazza.

Tunisia is the first leg of Zeng's first four-nation Africa tour which will also take him to Togo, Benin and South Africa.

Source: Xinhua