Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, arrived in Harare Friday on an official good-will visit as guest of the Zimbabwean parliament.

In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport, Jia said China and Zimbabwe enjoy profound traditional friendship.

Over the years, Jia said, thanks to the concerted efforts of the two governments and peoples, Sino-Zimbabwean friendly and cooperative relations, having withstood the test of time, have grown stronger.

He said China values its relations with Zimbabwe and finds in Zimbabwe a good friend, dear brother and close partner.

China is committed to working with Zimbabwe to strengthen political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and advance its friendly and cooperative relations with Zimbabwe, said Jia.

He said he looks forward to meeting Zimbabwean leaders and exchanging views with them on building on the success of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and further growing China's relations with Zimbabwe.

He said he also hopes to have extensive contacts with public representatives of Zimbabwe and contribute to greater understanding and friendship between the two countries and two peoples.

"I am confident that this visit will further strengthen China's relations with Zimbabwe," said Jia.

Zimbabwe is the third leg of Jia's visit to four African countries, which has already taken him to Tunisia and Ghana, and will also take him to Kenya.

(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2007)