China's top national advisor Jia Qinglin arrived in Havana Thursday for a four-day official goodwill visit to Cuba at the invitation of Ricardo Alarcon de Quesada, president of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba. 

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was greeted by Alarcon and Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Li Lianfu at the airport.

In a statement released upon his arrival, Jia said China and Cuba, with a long-standing traditional friendship between their peoples, have expanded their cooperation and exchanges in all areas in recent years and that such cooperation is quite fruitful.

The successful state visit to Cuba by President Hu Jintao last November has added new momentum to the all-round development of the bilateral relations, Jia said.

China is willing to make joint efforts with Cuba for a better future of the bilateral friendly cooperation, Jia said.

Describing Cuba as an important country in Latin America and the Caribbean area, Jia said Cuba has made great achievements in safeguarding its national sovereignty, developing national economy and improving people's living standard during the past half century.

The Chinese government and people sincerely hope that the Cuban people would register new progress in developing the socialist cause, Jia said.

Jia flew here from Mexico after winding up an official goodwill visit to the country.

Cuba is the second leg of Jia's four-nation Latin America tour, which will also take him to Colombia and Uruguay.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2005)