Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Brasilia on Wednesday for a summit of Brazil, Russia, India and China slated for Thursday and Friday, and a state visit to the Latin American state.

At the summit of the four countries -- collectively known under their acronym BRIC, the leaders will discuss the global economy and financial situation, reform of the international financial system, climate change and cooperation among the four countries, Chinese diplomats said.

President Hu has chosen Latin America as the destination of his first overseas trip so far this year. His visit to Brazil, Venezuela and Chile is seen as an important move to enhance ties between China and Latin American countries.

In a statement released upon his arrival at the airport, Hu said his visit aimed to enhance political trust, expand strategic cooperation and advance the China-Brazil strategic partnership to a higher level.

Hu said both China and Brazil are working to maintain world peace and promote common development.

Hu said under the joint effort of both sides, political trust between the two countries have been deepened as cooperation in various fields bear rich fruits. The two countries have cooperated closely with each other on international affairs and joined efforts to safeguard the interests of developing countries.

"China places great importance on developing the strategic partnership with Brazil," Hu said in the statement. He expressed the readiness to work with Brazil to advance bilateral links in a comprehensive way.

This is the second state visit that the Chinese president has made to Brazil since he first visited this country some six years ago.

During the visit, Hu will hold talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and major regional and international issues in an extensive way.

Hu and Lula will also witness the signing of documents on bilateral cooperation and hold a joint briefing for the media.

Hu will also meet with Michel Temer, president of the Chamber of Deputies of the National Congress of Brazil.

China and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1974. The two countries established a strategic partnership in 1993. They have cooperated closely on international issues and maintained good communication and coordination within the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and within such multilateral framework as the BRIC countries, BASIC countries and five major developing countries.

In recent years, China and Latin American countries have continually improved mutual trust, expanded mutually beneficial cooperation and added more content to cultural exchanges. The two sides have maintained close communication and coordination on international affairs. The China-Latin America relations have seen a sound momentum of comprehensive and rapid growth.

Brazil is the second leg of President Hu's America trip. Before arriving in Brazil, Hu took part in the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, the United States, from April 13 to 14. He will leave for Venezuela on April 17.

During his stay in Brasilia, Hu will attend the second summit of BRIC nations, which is slated for April 15-16.

Hu said in his statement that the international situation is currently undergoing complicated and profound changes while the recovery of world economy is yet to find a solid foundation.

"Under such circumstances, it's of great significance for the leaders of the BRIC countries to get together again for converging consensus and strengthening cooperation so as to better deal with global challenges," Hu said in the statement.

"I wish the second official meeting of the leaders of the BRIC countries a complete success," Hu said.

The summit gathers Hu, Lula, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Hu will make a speech at the meeting and hold separate meetings with leaders of other countries.

In a telephone call with Lula in February, Hu said the four BRIC countries share the same or similar opinions on many global issues and have great potential in bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Hu said China attaches great importance to the cooperation platform of BRIC countries and is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with Brazil, Russia and India.

The first summit of the BRIC countries was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia in June 2009.