2010-03-28 10:18

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping is welcomed by representatives from local Chinese community as he arrives at the airport in Gothenburg, Sweden, on March 27, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

GOTHENBURG - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived in Gothenburg, the second largest city of Sweden, kicking off his four-day official visit to this Nordic country on Saturday.

In a written speech delivered at the airport upon arrival, Xi said that there is a long history of friendly exchange between the peoples of China and Sweden although the two countries are geographically distant from each other.

Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 60 years ago, the bilateral relationship has always been moving forward in spite of the tremendous changes in international situation, the Chinese vice president said.

Particularly in recent years, mutual trust between China and Sweden has been enhanced, economic and trade cooperation has been fruitful and exchanges in every field have been getting closer as each day goes, Xi said.

The two countries have also engaged in close contact and coordination on international forum, he said.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping is welcomed by Governor Lars Backstrom of Vastra Gotaland County as he arrives at the airport in Gothenburg, Sweden, on March 27, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi said that he anticipates to exchange views with Swedish leaders on future development of Sino-Swedish relations and issues of common concern and to discuss with Swedish people from all walks of life on further strengthening the traditional ties between the two countries, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and joining hands to meet global challenges.

Sweden is the last leg of Xi's current four-nation tour, which has already taken him to Russia, Belarus and Finland.