HAVANA - A Chinese navy hospital ship arrived in Havana Friday, the first stop of its four-nation goodwill visit to the Caribbeans and Central America.

Chinese navy hospital-ship "Peace Ark", passes by the lighthouse of the colonial fortress Morro Cabana as it enters Havana Harbour Oct 21, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

The vessel, named "Peace Ark", was warmly greeted by Admiral Luis Gonzalez, head of the Cuban Military Academy "Granma" at a ceremony, which was also attended by Su Shiliang, deputy commander of the Chinese navy and Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Liu Yuqin attended the ceremony.

During their five-day stay in Cuba, the Chinese visitors and their hosts will hold talks and exchange views on a range of medical topics, especially those regarding traditional medicine.

The ship will leave Cuba on October 26 to continue its visit to the other three countries -- Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Costa Rica.