CARACAS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Senior official of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Li Changchun arrived in Caracas Sunday afternoon, starting a goodwill visit to Venezuela.

Venezuela is the second leg of Li's Latin America and Caribbean trip, which has led him to Mexico and will continue to Peru and Suriname.

Li said in a written speech released at the Maiquetia International Airport that the people of China and Venezuela share a long-standing friendship. Since the two countries established diplomatic links in 1974, bilateral relations have been growing smoothly, Li said.

Li, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicolas Maduro and other officials of Venezuela at the airport.

Li said his visit is aimed at deepening understanding, advancing friendship, expanding common ground and promoting cooperation between China and Venezuela.

"The Chinese government treasures its friendly and cooperative relations with Venezuela," Li said, adding that China regards Venezuela as a trust-worthy good friend and a good partner of sincere cooperation in Latin America.

During his visit, Li will meet with President Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias and other senior officials of Venezuela.

In the written speech, Li also expressed the wish that China-Venezuela friendship will remain fresh and vigorous forever.