Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Singapore on Monday, for an official visit to the country and a series of meetings from November 12 to 16. 

Li will attend the 21st China-ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) (10+1) leaders' meeting, the 21st ASEAN-China, Japan and S. Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting and the 13th East Asia Summit, during his visit, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Singapore holds the rotating ASEAN chairmanship this year.

Read more: China, ASEAN to unveil new blueprint for cooperation

It is the first official visit by a Chinese premier in 11 years. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will hold a welcome ceremony for Li, and they will hold talks and witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements, covering trade, finance and cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, culture and the environment. Li will also meet Singapore President Halimah Yacob.

Amid rising protectionism and unilateralism, China will actively work with all relevant sides to promote the China-ASEAN strategic partnership and the integration of East Asia, and to jointly deliver positive messages focusing on cooperation, East Asia, development, multilateralism and free trade, Li said in a written statement upon arrival.

Li said that during his visit he wishes to draw from past experience, deepen cooperation and look for new development opportunities, bringing the all-round cooperative partnership between China and Singapore to an even higher level.

Read more: Economic cooperation tops Chinese Premier Li's visit to Singapore: Belt and Road and FTA

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, as well as the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up, to which Singapore contributed invaluable experience and investment.

Read more: Premier Li underlines openness in a signed article published on Singaporean media