Jia Qinglin (Front,L), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is welcomed upon his arrival at the airport in Ankara, capital of Turkey, November 26, 2008. Jia started an official goodwill visit to Turkey on Wednesday. [Ju Peng/Xinhua]

China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin arrived in Ankara on Wednesday, starting an official goodwill visit to Turkey as guest of Koksal Toptan, speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said both China and Turkey have a long history and splendid culture, and friendly exchanges between the two peoples date back to ancient times.

"We are satisfied with the ever-expanding cooperation between China and Turkey in the political, economic and other fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971," said Jia.

He said he is convinced that with efforts from both sides, China-Turkey friendship and cooperation will register new and even bigger development.

During his visit, Jia will have an in-depth exchange of views with Turkish leaders on how to further consolidate and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

"I sincerely hope that my visit will further enhance the friendship between the two peoples and our bilateral cooperation in all fields so as to benefit our two countries and peoples," said Jia.

Turkey is the second leg of Jia's four-nation visit which has taken him to Jordan and will also take him to Laos and Cambodia.

(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2008)