On the noon of April 20, local time, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Reykjavik by special plane, kicking off an official visit to Iceland.

In a written speech delivered upon his arrival at the airport, Wen said although China and Iceland are far apart, and have different national conditions, their relations had witnessed sound development since they forged diplomatic ties 41 years ago. Over the years, the two sides had conducted closer high-level exchanges and deepened political trust, which had greatly promoted practical cooperation in various areas, Wen said. China had become Iceland's biggest trade partner in Asia, and the two sides had conducted fruitful cooperation in such areas as geothermal energy, scientific research and polar regions research, he said.

Wen said he would hold talks with President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir to map out the future development of bilateral ties and exchange views with them on other issues of common concern. He believed with the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral relations will be pushed to a new level for the benefit of the two peoples.

Icelandic Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir and Chinese Ambassador to Iceland Su Ge greeted Wen at the airport. Sigurdardottir also held a grand welcome ceremony for Wen at the airport.