Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Dar es Salaam Thursday afternoon for a two-day official visit to the eastern African country at the invitation of Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

Kikwete greeted Wen at the Dar es Salaam Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere International Airport.

The Chinese premier said in a written speech at the airport that the friendship between China and Tanzania has a long history. The two countries have trusted, supported and cooperated with each other both in the struggle against colonism and for national independence and the strive to maintain world peace and promote common development.

Wen said his visit is aimed to enhance understanding and trust between the two sides in the new situation and to explore new areas and ways of friendly, mutually beneficial cooperation.

During his visit, Wen will hold talks with Tanzanian President Kikwete and meet with Prime Minister Lowassa. The two sides will exchange views on bilateral links and issues of common interest and sign a number of agreements.

"I believe that this visit will achieve the aim and add new impetus to the brother-like friendship between China and Tanzania, " Wen said.

Tanzania is the sixth stop of Wen's seven-country African visit, which already took the Chinese premier to Egypt, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Angola and South Africa. Uganda is the last stop in his eight-day trip that started on June 17.

China and the United Republic of Tanzania established diplomatic relations in April 1964 and Wen is the fourth Chinese premier visiting Tanzania since then.

Tanzania is the largest recipient country in Africa of Chinese aid in both kind and cash. The Tanzania-Zambia Railway is one of the Chinese aid programs.

Bilateral trade volume was 47 million U.S. dollars in 2005.

Source: Xinhua