Chinese President Arrives in Ukraine for State Visit

Chinese President Arrives in Ukraine for State Visit

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Chinese President Jiang Zemin arrived here Friday afternoon for a three-day state visit to Ukraine.

Jiang was greeted by Ukrainian Prime Minister Anatoly Kinakh and Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko at the airport.

Jiang said in a written statement at the airport that his visit, the second by China's head of state to Ukraine since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992, is aimed at improving bilateral ties.

Over the past 10 years, the two countries have increased mutual understanding and friendship, and have greatly expanded cooperation in fields of politics, economy, culture, science and technology and education.

Jiang said he will meet with Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and other Ukrainian leaders to discuss the development of bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concern.

The Chinese president also extended his congratulations over the upcoming 10th anniversary of the independence of Ukraine, which falls on August 24.

Ukraine is the fourth leg of Jiang's five-nation tour to Europe, which has taken him to Russia, Belarus and Moldova. Jiang's next stop is Malta.