At the invitation of President Lagos, I am very glad to pay a state visit to the beautiful Chilean Republic. I'd like to pay high respect to the diligent and courageous Chilean people and convey to you the cordial greetings and good wishes from the Chinese people.

Although China and Chile are far away from each other, the friendship between the people of the two countries is time honored. In 1970, Chile became the first South American country to establish diplomatic ties with China, opening a new page in the friendly exchanges of the two countries. Over the past 34 years, especially since 2001 when the two countries established long-term, stable, equal, reciprocal and comprehensive cooperation relations, the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Chile has been expanding in all fields. The two countries coordinate and cooperate closely with each other in international affairs. Reality has proved that strengthening China-Chile relations is in the long-term and basic interests of the two countries and their people.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to China-Chile relations. During my visit, I will exchange in-depth opinions with President Lagos, President Hernán Larrain of the Chilean Senate and President Pablo Lorenzini of Chilean Chamber of Deputies on bilateral relations and major international and regional relations. I will also learn about your country's development achievements and learn from your successful experience. I am confident that this visit will reach the goals of expanding consensus, enhancing mutual trust, exploring cooperation and seeking common development and promote the friendly and cooperative China-Chile relations to a new level of development.