Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader arrived in Beijing Thursday morning, starting a five-day official visit to China at the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao.  

During his stay in Beijing, Sanader will meet or hold talks with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen respectively, sources with the Foreign Ministry said.

Prior to his China visit, Sanader told press that he expected his talks with Chinese leaders will strengthen the relations between the two countries and promote their economic and trade cooperation.

The Croatian prime minister brings with him a large delegation with members from Croatian oil, steel, banking and food sectors. He said there is still a great potential in the bilateral economic and trade cooperation and his government will make efforts to promote Croatian exports to China.

Sanader will also visit Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province and Shanghai.

This is Sanader's first trip to China since he assumed office of prime minister in December 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2005)