China's top national advisor Jia Qinglin arrived in the Colombian capital Bogota Monday for a four-day official visit, where he will hold talks with Colombian leaders.  

In a speech at the airport, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), expressed the hope that his visit would promote mutual understanding, deepen friendship and strengthen reciprocal cooperation between the two nations.

He said Colombia's abundant resources make it an important force in Latin America and in the international arena.

He added that although China and Colombia are not neighbors, they keep up friendly communication. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1980 they have extended their cooperation in political and economic spheres, and in terms of culture, science and technology.

Colombia is the third leg of Jia's four-nation tour to Latin America.

(CRI.com May 17, 2005)