Xi, Putin hold talks on bilateral ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping (front L), accompanied by Russian Minister of Far East Development Viktor Ishayev (front R), inspects the guard of honor upon his arrival in Moscow, capital of Russia, March 22, 2013. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow Friday for a state visit to Russia.[Photo/Xinhua]

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on major regional and world issues.

Xi arrived in Moscow Friday noon for a state visit, the first leg of his first trip abroad after he was elected president of China last week. Both China and Russia have attached great importance to Xi's current visit.

Talking over phone with Putin upon his election as China's new president on March 14, Xi said that he was looking forward to meeting with Putin during his visit to Russia and exchanging views with him on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as on major regional and international affairs.

Xi also said he believed his visit to Russia would inject new vigor into the development of China-Russia relations.

Putin said he believed the visit would further promote bilateral cooperation and humanistic exchanges as well as strengthen bilateral ties.

Before the talks, Xi attended a welcoming ceremony hosted by Putin in his honor.

Later in the day, Xi and Putin are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the "Tourism Year of China" in Russia.

The "China-Russia Tourism Year," which began last year with the "Tourism Year of Russia" in China, is the third theme year following the "China-Russia National Year" and the "China-Russia Year of Language" held in recent years.

During his visit, Xi will also meet Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and other Russian leaders.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and his wife Peng Liyuan wave upon their arrival in Moscow, capital of Russia, March 22, 2013. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow Friday for a state visit to Russia. [Photo/Xinhua]

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