Li Ruihuan Arrives in Caracas for Official Visit to Venezuela

Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Li Ruihuan, arrived in Caracas Sunday evening for a two-day official goodwill visit to Venezuela.

This is the first time for the CPPCC National Committee Chairman to visit this South American country, and also the second leg of Li's on-going four-nation tour.

Li was welcomed at the airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Vicente Rangel and other senior Venezuela officials.

Li said in a written speech delivered at the airport that the Chinese people have valued the traditional friendship with their Venezuela counterpart, and that his current visit is just to strengthen top-level bilateral exchanges, promote friendship and mutual understanding and boost cooperation of mutual benefit.

Li expressed the hope that his current visit will help consolidate and develop the friendly relations of cooperation between the two countries oriented toward the 21st century.

The CPPCC National Committee Chairman said that he is looking forward to exchanging views with Venezuela leaders on bilateral relations and major international issues of common concern.

Please visit People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/