China's President Hu Jintao (front, 2nd R) walks down the red carpet with his wife, Liu Yongqing, while accompanied by Swedish Prince Carl Philip (L) after Hu's plane landed at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm June 8, 2007. Hu is on a three-day state visit to Sweden. [Reuters]

STOCKHOLM -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met here on Saturday with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf to discuss the development of bilateral relations.

This is the first state visit to Sweden by a Chinese head of state since the two countries established diplomatic ties 57 years ago.

Before the meeting, Hu attended a welcoming ceremony by the king.

During his visit, Hu is also expected to meet other Swedish officials and the two sides will sign a number of cooperation documents.

The Chinese president arrived in the Swedish capital Friday evening after attending an outreach session of the Group of Eight leading industrialized nations in Heiligendamm, northern Germany.

Hu is scheduled to conclude his visit on Sunday.