PORT OF SPAIN - President Xi Jinping arrived at Trinidad and Tobago on Friday evening, kicking off a seven-day visit to Latin America and the Caribbean to give the relations between China and the region a further boost.

This is the first time that a Chinese president has ever visited the Caribbean country since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1974. A number of cooperative documents covering economy, trade and education are expected to be signed.

The special flight of President Xi landed at the Piarco International Airport at around 7 pm local time amid slight rain. The Chinese leader stepped off the plane with his wife Peng Liyuan, who was dressed in white and light green, both in smiles.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd L) shakes hands with Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Carmona after Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan (1st L) arrived at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on Friday evening. [Photo/Xinhua]

The couple received a warm welcome at the airport from Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Carmona and his wife, as well as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Twenty-one gun salutes were fired.

Xi said Trinidad and Tobago is a country with major influence in the Caribbean region, and he is looking forward to having in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest with leaders of the country.

During his stay in Port of Spain, Xi will also meet leaders from eight other Caribbean countries.

"I look forward to discussing bilateral relations with them and exploring together ways to boost cooperation," he said.

"I believe that with the concerted efforts of all participants, these meetings will be successful and elevate the friendly relations and cooperation between China and Caribbean countries to a new level."