QUITO, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor, Jia Qinglin, on Monday arrived in Quito, kicking off his official good-will visit to Ecuador.

Jia Qinglin (L), chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, is welcomed by Ecuadorian officials upon his arrival in Quito, Nov. 23, 2009. Jia kicked off his official good-will visit to Ecuador.(Xinhua/Fan Rujun) Photo Gallery>>>

    Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivered a written speech at the airport of the Ecuadorian capital.

    In the speech, Jia hailed the steady development of bilateral ties since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1980, highlighting the enhanced mutual political trust, fruitful cooperation in trade, economy, culture, education and science, and close coordination on international and regional affairs.

    China attaches great importance to its relations with Ecuador and will work together with the South American country to further expand the cooperation in various fields to benefit the two peoples, Jia said.

Jia Qinglin (L), chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, is welcomed by Chinese working staff in Ecuador upon his arrival in Quito, Nov. 23, 2009. Jia kicked off his official good-will visit to Ecuador.(Xinhua/Fan Rujun) Photo Gallery>>>

    Jia is paying a two-day visit at the invitation of President of the National Congress of Ecuador Fernando Cordero.

    Jia will meet with Ecuadorian leaders and attend the opening ceremony of a China-Ecuador business forum on Monday.

    Jia has visited the Philippines and Peru. He will also visit Brazil as the last leg of his four-state trip.

Backgrounder: The Republic of Ecuador