Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in New York on Sunday afternoon to start a 4-day official visit to the United States.  

This is Wen's first visit to the United States as Chinese premier. He will also visit Washington D.C. and Boston.

In a written statement at the airport, Wen said China-US relationship is at a pivotal moment of continued advance and is faced with both opportunities and challenges.

"My current visit is aimed at strengthening dialogue, enhancing mutual trust and deepening cooperation between the two countries. I look forward to an open and in-depth exchange of views with President Bush and other American leaders on bilateral relations and the current international situation," he said.

He said, "I will also meet with personages from various circles in the US to gain first-hand knowledge of the country and its people. I also hope to help the American people better understand China."

The premier expressed the belief that "through the joint efforts of both sides, my visit will contribute to further development of the constructive and cooperative relations between the two countries."

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2003)