Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, said Tuesday that he expects to have an in-depth exchange of views with the Vietnamese leaders on the overarching and strategic issues critical to the direction of relations between the two Parties and the two countries.

The leaders of the two countries will also discuss international and regional issues with common concerns, according to a written speech by Xi, released upon his arrival for a two-day state visit to Vietnam.

He is scheduled to hold talks with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and President Vo Van Thuong. He will also meet with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue.

The two sides will discuss upgrading China-Vietnam relations with a focus on six major areas, including politics, security, practical cooperation, public support, multilateral affairs and maritime issues, and work to deepen and substantiate the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Xi, with his wife Peng Liyuan, was warmly received at the airport by Chinh and other senior officials. More than 400 Vietnamese and Chinese people from all walks of life waved the flags of the two Parties and the two countries to welcome the Chinese leader.

It is Xi's third visit to the Southeast Asian country since he became general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president.

In the written speech, Xi said China takes its relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, adding that he looks forward to taking the visit as an opportunity to push bilateral relations to a new stage.

Connected by mountains and rivers, China and Vietnam enjoy a time-honored traditional friendship, which, jointly forged and cultivated by older-generation leaders of the two countries, is a precious treasure shared by the two peoples, Xi said.

On behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, Xi extended cordial greetings and best wishes to the brotherly CPV, the Vietnamese government and the people.

Vietnam is an important country in Asia and an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Xi said in the speech, noting that under the leadership of the CPV, the Vietnamese people in recent years have actively pursued a development path suited to their national conditions and advanced transformation in all aspects, witnessing an increasing global and regional influence.

(With input from Xinhua)