Premier Li Keqiang arrives at Santiago on May 24 to kick off his official visit to Chile. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Chile's capital city of Santiago on May 24 for his official visit at the invitation of Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.

Li noted that Chile was the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with China when the new China was founded in 1949.

Chile also leads the region in signing free-trade agreements and developing relations with China, Li said.

His visit aims to strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries, deepen mutual political trust and expand bilateral cooperation in various areas, including a free-trade zone, financing, production capacity, equipment manufacturing and infrastructure, he said.

During his visit, the Premier aims to turn the potential of China-Chile cooperation into a driving force to accelerate development.

Li will meet with President Bachelet, and the two will hold a press conference and a ceremony with corporate leaders to mark the 45th anniversary of China-Chile relations.

Li also will make a speech at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Li and his wife Cheng Hong arrived in Chile after wrapping up their visit to Peru.