Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao arrived Kampala on Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Uganda, during which he is expected to exchange views with Ugandan leaders on bilateral relations, regional and international situations and other issues of common interest.

In a written statement issued on his arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Hu expressed the hope that his visit "will contribute to the furtherance of the traditional friendship between China and Uganda and still greater development of the bilateral friendly relations and cooperations in the 21st century".

"There exists a profound traditional friendship between China and Uganda," Hu said, noting that in the 38 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the bilateral relations have developed smoothly and the friendship between the two peoples has grown with each passing day.

The two countries have conducted sincere, friendly and fruitful cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, educational fields, among others, ushering in the best period for the development of the relations between China and Uganda, especially since the National Resistance Movement of Uganda took power in 1986, the Chinese vice president said.

"Uganda is the only African country I visit during my five-leg trip in Asia and Africa," said Hu, adding that he is here to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries and the two peoples and to expand the exiting friendly relations and cooperation.

During his visit, the vice president is to hold talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Vice President Speciosa Kazibwe and Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi.

Hu's entourage includes Deputy Foreign Minister Ji Peiding, Deputy Minister in charge of State Development Planning Commission Wang Yang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Sun Guangxiang and other senior officials.

Uganda is the last leg of Hu's visit to five Asian and African countries, which also include Iran, Syria, Jordan and Cyprus.

(Xinhua 01/17/2001)