Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the Swedish capital of Stockholm on Friday for a state visit aimed at promoting cooperation between China and Sweden.

 

President Hu flew in from the northern German city of Rostock after attending the outreach session of the Group of Eight (G8) summit in Heiligendamm on the Baltic Sea coast.

 

In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the airport, the Chinese leader said that in recent years, China and Sweden have steadily enhanced mutual political trust, built strong trade and business ties, and expanded exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

 

"China values its relations with Sweden and will continue to work with Sweden to boost bilateral relations," he said.

 

President Hu said that during his visit, he will review with Swedish leaders progress made in the friendly cooperation between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties, exploring new ways to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and exchanging views on major international and regional issues of mutual concern.

 

"I am confident that this visit will enhance friendship, increase mutual trust, broaden common ground and strengthen cooperation between China and Sweden," he said.

 

President Hu is expected to meet Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, Parliament Speaker Per Westerberg and Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, reviewing the development of bilateral ties and making plans for future development, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry official.

 

The two sides will sign a number of cooperation agreements, including one on environmental protection, said the official.

 

In recent years, China and Sweden have enlarged cooperation in such areas as politics, economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education.

 

China is Sweden's largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade volume in 2006 amounting to US$6.7 billion, or an 18-percent increase from the previous year.

 

In July 2006, King Gustaf paid a state visit to China.

 

President Hu is scheduled to leave for home on Sunday after concluding his visit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2007)