Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe Velez arrived in Beijing Wednesday (Apr. 6) morning, kicking off his state visit to China as guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

This is Uribe's first visit to China after assuming presidency in 2002. During his visit here, he is scheduled to meet or hold talks with top Chinese leaders and attend a signing ceremony of some cooperation accords between the two governments.

Uribe's entourage includes some high-ranking officials and businessmen. Besides Beijing, he will also visit Shanghai, China's economic hub.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Colombia diplomatic ties.

Prior to his China tour, Uribe told the press that he hoped it would help further Colombia-China economic and diplomatic cooperation, saying his government attaches great importance to economic and trade cooperation with China, and welcomes more investment from China in petroleum, coal, textile and farm irrigation.

The relationship has been solid in the field of politics thanks to the exchange of high-level visits and the two countries have supported each other in international affairs, said Uribe.

Editor: Olivia