President Xi arrives in Spain for state visit

World
Europe

00:38

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Madrid, the capital of Spain, on Tuesday, for the first state visit to the country by a Chinese head of state in 13 years.

Spain dispatched fighter jets to escort the Chinese president's plane as soon as it entered the country's airspace.

Fighter jets escort Chinese President Xi Jinping's plane. /CCTV Photo

As President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived at Madrid-Barajas International Airport in the afternoon, they were warmly welcomed by senior officials from the Spanish government and received flowers presented by the children there.

Xi extended his sincere greetings and best wishes to the Spanish government and Spanish people, noting the long history between the two countries.

Hailing the comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said the two countries have entered a new stage of development.

Both China and Spain are at a crucial time of reform, Xi added, encouraging the two nations to consolidate their traditional friendship, boost pragmatic cooperation and achieve common development.

During Xi's state visit to Spain from November 27 to 29, he is scheduled to meet with Spanish King Felipe VI, hold talks with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, collectively meet with President of the Senate Pio Garcia Escudero and President of the Parliament Ana Pastor Julian, and address the two houses, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Xi said he is looking forward to an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern with them.

Reports said that China and Spain will publish a joint statement and sign documents on their cooperation in third-party markets, service trade, taxation, culture, science and technology, and finance.

Spain is the first leg of President Xi's four-nation visit. He will also visit Argentina, Panama and Portugal and attend the G20 summit in Argentina.