China's top legislator Li Peng arrived in Jerusalem Thursday afternoon from Kenya for a week-long official and good-will visit to Israel.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, is the highest-ranking Chinese leader to visit Israel since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992.

Upon his arrival, Li was accorded a warm welcome at the Ben Gurion

International Airport by Deputy Knesset (parliament) Speaker Reuven Rivlin and other Knesset and government officials.

During his stay, Li is scheduled to hold talks with Israeli President Ezer Weizman, Prime Minister Ehud Barak and other Knesset leaders on international, regional issues of common concern and on ways to further bilateral relations. He will also visit some hi-tech facilities.

Li will also visit the West Bank city of Ramallah, where he will hold talks with Palestinian leaders.

Israel is the fourth leg of Li's current Afro-Asian tour which will also take him to Oman.

He has visited Mauritius, South Africa and Kenya.