On June 19, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the Croatian capital of Zagreb for a state visit.

At 17:30, local time, Hu's special plane arrived at Zagreb international airport, where he was warmly welcomed by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and other officials.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival, Hu pointed out that Croatia, known as the Pearl of Adriatic Sea, has enjoyed economic growth and social stability in recent years. The Chinese people sincerely wished the Croatian people new achievements in building their country. He said the Chinese and Croatian peoples have maintained profound traditional friendship. Since the two countries established comprehensive partnership of cooperation in 2005, bilateral relations have seen rapid growth and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, Hu said. China is committed to developing relations with Croatia and will work with the Croatian side for an even more promising future of comprehensive partnership of cooperation, said President Hu.

Hu said he is looking forward to in-depth exchanges of views with Croatian President Stjepan Mesi and other leaders on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern. The two countries are expected to sign a host of cooperation deals involving business, health and air transport during the visit. The Chinese president expressed full confidence that his visit will consolidate China-Croatia friendship, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation for common development.

Hu's entourage including Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Wu Lianqi, the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Croatia and representatives from China-invested organizations also greeted Hu and his delegation at the airport.

President Hu flew into Zagreb from Bratislava after concluding his visit to Slovakia.