Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo arrived in Bahamas on Thursday afternoon, kicking off his official visit to the Bahamas on the second leg of his three-nation America tour.

In a written statement released at the airport upon his arrival, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, the nation's top legislative body, highlighted the rapid growth of China-Bahamas relations since the two nations forged the diplomatic relations in 1997, noting that the purpose of his visit is to promote bilateral ties to a higher level.

"China attaches great importance to the relations with the Bahamas and regards the country as an important partner in the Caribbean region", Wu said in the statement, noting that the development of the bilateral relationship would serve to the fundamental interests of the two nations and the two peoples.

Wu is scheduled to meet with Governor-General of Bahamas Arthur D. Hanna, Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and hold talks with Lynn Holowesko, president of Barhamian Senate and Alvin Smith, speaker of the House.

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

Wu arrived in Bahamas after he concluded his official visit to Cuba. After the Bahamas, he will also visit the United States.

(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2009)