Jia Qinglin (L), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, shakes hands with Mandur Laszlo, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, upon his arrival at Ferihegyi International Airport in Budapest, May 7, 2008. Jia Qinglin started an official goodwill visit to Hungary on May 7. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) Photo Gallery>>>

    BUDAPEST, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Jia Qinglin, head of China's top political advisory body, arrived here Wednesday for an official goodwill visit to Hungary.

    It is the second leg of Jia's current four-nation Europe tour, which has taken him to Romania and will take him to Slovenia and Croatia.

    The Hungary visit is the first made by a head of China's top political advisory body, known as the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), since the two countries established diplomatic ties 59 years ago.

    Upon his arrival at the Ferihegyi International Airport in Budapest, Jia said in a written speech that the peoples of China and Hungary enjoy a long-standing friendship as bilateral relations withstood the test of times and changes in international situation in the past 59 years.

    He said that since the establishment of a friendly cooperative partnership in 2004, the two countries have seen their political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation strengthened in an increasingly deep way in such fields as trade, economy and culture.

    Jia said China attaches great importance to developing relations with Hungary and is ready to work with Hungary to add new substance, vigor and vitality to their traditional friendship.

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, was greeted by Mandur Laszlo, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary.

    Jia's visit is aimed at consolidating friendship, deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation and realizing mutual benefit between China and Hungary.

    During his visit, Jia is to meet with President Solyom Laszlo, Prime Minister Gyurcsany Ferenc, Speaker of the National Assembly Szili Katalin and representatives of all walks of life in Hungarian society. He will exchange views with Hungarian leaders on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

    Jia expressed the belief that his visit will further enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and push forward bilateral cooperation in all fields.

    Hungary was one of the first countries that established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Since the two countries forged official links in 1949, bilateral relations have been growing smoothly.

    The National Assembly of Hungary has maintained regular contact with the CPPCC.

    Jia is expected to conclude his visit to Hungary Saturday.