Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Luanda Tuesday noon after concluding an official visit to the Republic of Congo.

 

The Republic of Angola is the fourth leg of Wen's seven-nation African trip that will also take him to South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

 

Wen is the first Chinese premier who paid an official visit to Angola since the founding of the People's Republic of China. He was greeted with a welcoming ceremony held by Prime Minister Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos at the airport.

 

Upon arrival at the airport in Luanda, Wen released a written speech, saying that his visit is aimed to enhance friendship and push forward cooperation between China and Angola in all fields.

 

During his visit, Wen will meet with President Jose Eduardo dos Santos and Prime Minister Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos. They will exchange views on bilateral relations and on issues of common interest.

 

Noting that China and Angola share traditional friendship and mutual trust, Wen said bilateral relations have made steady progress since the two countries established diplomatic links 23 years ago.

 

The two countries have supported each other on international affairs and achieved rich results in cooperation in all fields, Wen said.

 

Wen said Angola is a country of important influence in Africa and a country of great potential. The development of China-Angola relations is in the basic interests of the people of both countries, he added.

 

He expressed the wish that Angola will continue to make new achievements in the process of national reconstruction and development. He also expressed the confidence that China-Angola relations will have an even brighter future.

 

Wen concluded an official visit to the Republic of Congo Tuesday morning and left Brazzaville for Luanda.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 21, 2006)