Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin arrived in Porto Tuesday on a three-day official good-will visit to Portugal aimed at promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

In a statement released upon his arrival, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that Portugal has made outstanding achievements in its modernization drive while playing a unique role in international and regional affairs.

Jia spoke highly of Portugal's long history and splendid culture, saying that the bilateral relationship between China and Portugal has developed smoothly and made continuous progress in their friendly cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, culture, science and technology since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979.

The Chinese leader also said that he is pleased with the unprecedented momentum for more rapid development in the relations between the two countries.

Portugal is the last leg of Jia's four-nation tour, which has taken him to the Republic of Korea, Austria and Spain.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2004)