Special report: Strong Earthquake Jolts SW China

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) addresses a business forum between Chinese and Croatian entrepreneurs in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, May 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)  Photo Gallery>>>

    ZAGREB, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Jia Qinglin, China's top political adviser, concluded his official goodwill visit to Croatia Wednesday afternoon, ending his four-nation Europe tour ahead of schedule.

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shortened his visit to Croatia and ended his Europe trip two days ahead of schedule due to severe earthquakes in China's Sichuan province, which have claimed more than 14,000 lives.

    During his visit to Croatia, Jia held separate talks with Croatian Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader.

    Jia, who arrived here Tuesday morning, also gave a lecture at a China-Croatia business forum.

    Croatia is the last leg of Jia's four-nation Europe trip, which has already taken him to Romania, Hungary and Slovenia.