Jia Qinglin (front L), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shakes hands with former Romanian ambassador to China and sinologist Romulus Loan Budura in Bucharest, capital of Romania, May 4, 2008. Jia arrived on Sunday kicking off a four-nation European trip. [Xinhua]

China's top political advisory body chief Jia Qinglin arrived here on Sunday, kicking off a four-nation European trip.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is in Bucharest for a four-day visit at the invitation of Romania's Senate President Nicolae Vacaroiu.

Upon arrival at Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest, Jia said his visit aimed to further deepen mutual understanding, consolidate traditional friendship, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and advance China-Romania relationship.

Jia said over the past few years, China and Romania have seen deepening political trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields. The Chinese government attaches importance to developing relations with Romania and is ready to make joint efforts with the country to advance the all-round partnership of friendship and cooperation, he said.

Later, Jia met with representatives from all walks of life in Romanian society. During the meeting, Jia extended appreciation to the Romanian-Chinese Friendship Association for its contribution to expanding friendship, promoting exchange and advancing China-Romania relations.

Jia said the year of 2009, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, will provide an opportunity for both peoples to continuously advance their friendship.

During his visit in Romania, Jia will meet with Romanian President Traian Basescu, Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, Senate President Vacaroiu and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Bogdan Olteanu. He is expected to exchange views with the leaders on development of bilateral links, China-Europe relations and international issues of common concern.

Jia will also deliver a speech at a session of the Romanian Senate.

The CPPCC has maintained regular contact with the Parliament of Romania. Romanian Senate President Vacaroiu visited China in 2001 and 2002.

Romania is the first leg of Jia's four-nation tour, which will also take him to Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia.

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2008)