Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo on Thursday afternoon began an official visit to Gabon on the second leg of his five-nation Africa tour.

Wu Bangguo (L, Front), Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, is welcomed by President of Gabon's National Assembly Guy Nzouba Ndama as he arrives at Libreville, capital of Gabon, Nov. 6, 2008.[Xinhua]

In a written statement released at the airport upon his arrival, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, highlighted the rapid growth of the China-Gabon relations in the past 34 years since the two nations forged the diplomatic relations, noting that the purpose of his visit is to promote the bilateral ties to a higher level.

Wu is scheduled to meet with Gabonese President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, Prime Minister and Chief of Government Jean Eyeghe Ndong, Speaker of Senate Rene Radembino Coniquet and hold talks with the President of Gabonese Parliament Guy Nzouba Ndama to exchange views on bilateral relations and other regional and international issues of common concern.

The two sides are also expected to sign a series of economic and trade agreements.

Wu arrived in Gabon after he concluded his official visit to Algeria. After Gabon, he will also visit Ethiopia, Madagascar and Seychelles.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2008)