China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin arrived here Monday, starting an official goodwill visit as guest of Sisavath Keobounphanh, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and chairman of Lao Front for National Reconstruction.

In a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport, Jia spoke highly of the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 47 years ago.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People' s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China and Laos have enjoyed frequent contacts between leaders, ever-deepening economic cooperation and trade, mutual support and close coordination in international and regional affairs and expanded exchanges and cooperation in diverse areas.

Consolidating and strengthening China-Laos goodneighborly friendship and comprehensive cooperation serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and peace, stability and development of the region and the world, said Jia, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Jia said he hoped that this visit "will help enhance mutual understanding, strengthen friendship and mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote continuous progress in China-Laos relationship featuring long-term stability, good neighborliness, mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation".

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

(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2008)