Chinese President Hu Jintao's arrival here Tuesday noon marked the first ever state visit to Poland by a Chinese head of state.

Hu said in a speech at the airport upon arrival that he believes his visit to Poland "will strengthen the friendship between peoples of the two countries and will promote cooperative relations to a higher level."

Hu is expected to meet with Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski and other Polish leaders during the two-and-a-half day visit and "draw up a blueprint for the long-term development of China-Poland relations," Hu said.

The Chinese president said this year marks the 55th anniversary of China-Poland diplomatic relations and that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Poland on the basis of "mutual respect,equality, mutual benefit and non-interference in each other's internal affairs."

Hu's entourage includes his wife Liu Yongqing, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai.

Poland has developed as an important partner of China in central and eastern Europe. Chinese diplomats said Hu's choice of Poland as the first leg of his four-nation tour demonstrates the importance China attaches to its relations with Poland.

Hu will also visit Hungary, Romania and Uzbekistan before attending a summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, slated for June 17.