Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is welcomed by Cheslovas Yurshenas (L), deputy speaker of Lithuanian parliament, upon his arrival in Vilnius, Lithuania, Oct. 26, 2006.(Xinhua Photo)
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VILNIUS, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese adviser Jia Qinglin arrived in the capital of Lithuania on Thursday to start his official goodwill visit to the Baltic state.
He expressed his satisfaction with the smooth development of bilateral ties between China and Lithuania, and hoped the two countries could further enhance understanding, cooperation, and friendship.
Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, was here at the invitation of Lithuanian parliament Viktoras Muntianas.
"I wish to take this opportunity to convey the cordial greetings and best wishes of the Chinese people to the industrious, talented and friendly people of Lithuania, and the city of Vilnius," Jia said in a written statement released at the Vilnius airport.
Despite the long distance between China and Lithuania, there is close amity between the two peoples, Jia said.
China and Lithuania have always respected and treated each other as equals, and pursued mutually beneficial cooperation, he added.
"We view with great satisfaction the fruitful bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the political, economic, trade, cultural, educational, scientific and technological fields," he said.
The visit to Lithuania, Jia said, is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and trust, consolidating friendship, and deepening cooperation.
"I look forward to having an in-depth exchange of views with Lithuanian leaders on furthering our bilateral ties and other issues of mutual interest. I also look forward to meeting with the Lithuanian public representatives to learn about your experience in promoting economic and social development," he added.
Lithuania is the second leg of Jia's four-nation Europe tour, which has seen his successful visit to Britain, and will also take him to Estonia and Ukraine.