Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that he is ready to work with US President Donald Trump to steer the giant ship of China-US ties on a steady course towards the future.

Xi called for strengthened communication, sincere cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Xi made the remarks while addressing a welcome ceremony hosted by Trump at the White House.

The Chinese president arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday afternoon, kicking off a three-day state visit to the United States.

In his Thursday address, Xi said his visit was for friendship, for cooperation, and for the well-being of both peoples.

Xi said he and Trump encourage their government departments, such as those in charge of foreign affairs, economic matters, financial cooperation, law enforcement and people-to-people exchanges, to catch up on strengthening contact, and they support their legislative bodies in increasing exchanges.

(With input from Xinhua)