ZAGREB — Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Croatia on April 9 for an official visit to the country and the eighth leaders’ meeting of China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) in the Croatian seaside city Dubrovnik.

Upon Premier Li’s arrival, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and his wife Ana Plenkovic led a warm welcome ceremony at the Zagreb Airport. Children dressed in national costumes presented flowers to Premier Li and his wife Cheng Hong.

Premier Li is the first Chinese premier that pays a visit to Croatia since the two countries established diplomatic ties 27 years ago.

The Premier said he is happy to visit the beautiful country, adding that China and Croatia share a profound traditional friendship.

During the visit to Croatia, Premier Li will have a meeting with Plenkovic, with whom he will hold a joint news conference, attend an opening ceremony of the Year of Tourism between China and Croatia, inspect the project of the Peljesac Bridge and witness the signing of cooperation deals in several areas. Premier Li will also meet Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic.