Li Changchun, the member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), arrived in Geneva on Tuesday for a goodwill visit to Switzerland.

 

In a written statement issued upon arrival at the Geneva airport, Li praised the long-term friendly relationship between China and Switzerland.

 

"Relationship between China and Switzerland has kept a good momentum since the two countries established diplomatic relations 56 years ago," he said.

 

China attaches great importance to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, he added.

 

Li underscored the great potential in economic cooperation between China and Switzerland, noting that there are good opportunities for both countries to enhance their cooperation in this field.

 

He hoped that his three-day visit would boost cooperation between the two countries in all aspects.

 

On Thursday, Li, who heads a large delegation including several government ministers, will hold talks in Bern with Swiss President Moritz Leuenberger, Interior Minister Pascal Couchepin and Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2006)