Senior Chinese leader arrives in South Korea for visit

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), arrived here Thursday for an official goodwill visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK).

CPPCC Chairman visits S.Korea

Lim Chae-jung, chairman of the Unification, Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee of the ROK National Assembly, greeted Jia at the

airport.

In a statement released upon his arrival, Jia said that China and the ROK, with a long-standing friendship between the two peoples, have registered rapid progress in exchanges and cooperation in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties 12 years ago.

Jia, who was invited by Kim One-ki, speaker of the ROK National Assembly, said that his on-going visit is meant to further enhance understanding, promote friendship and deepen cooperation between the two countries.

During his four-day visit, Jia will meet with President Roh Moo-hyun, speaker of the National Assembly Kim One-ki and Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan to exchange views on further developing the Sino-ROK cooperative partnership and maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

In the statement, Jia expressed his belief that his visit will further increase mutual understanding and trust, broaden consensus and cooperation between the two countries.

The CPPCC is China's top advisory body, consisting of representatives of the Communist Party of China, non-Communist parties, personages without party affiliation, and representatives of people's organizations, national minorities and all social strata.

ROK is the first leg of Jia's four-nation tour, which will also take him to Austria, Spain and Portugal. .

Source: Xinhua