XI BEGINS OFFICIAL VISIT TO AMERICA

WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 24 /SRNA/ — U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews in Washington.

Xi is on a state visit to the United States at Trump's invitation, who stressed that the Chinese president is a great leader whose visit is attracting the attention of the entire world.

"This is a great moment. I look forward to having serious discussions with President Xi in order to improve relations between our two countries," Trump said.

Xi conveyed his sincere greetings and best wishes to the American people on behalf of the Chinese people.

He pointed out that China and the United States are grand countries, so are the Chinese and American peoples who have maintained friendly contacts for a long time.

"The interests of the two sides are deeply interconnected. The two countries should be partners, not rivals. The realization of China's great national rejuvenation and America's endeavor to become great again can fully proceed in parallel and bring benefits to the world," Xi said.

He recalled that during Trump's visit to China in May, it was agreed to establish constructive, strategic and stable China-USA relations.

"China and the United States should promote stable relations in which cooperation prevails, competition is balanced, differences are under control, and peace is possible in order to find the right way for the two major countries to coexist in the new era," Xi said.

He stressed that the world is developing and times are changing, but the historical logic of coexistence between China and the United States has not changed.

Xi added that the good wishes of the peoples of both countries for friendly cooperation have also not changed, nor have the expectations of the international community regarding China and the United States.

"I expect detailed discussions with President Trump on important issues concerning relations between the two countries and the world situation, continuously enriching the substance of constructive, strategic and stable China-U.S. relations, and expanding space for communication and cooperation between the two countries in all fields," Xi said.

He expressed confidence that, through the joint efforts of both sides, the visit would achieve significant results, improve the well-being of the peoples of both countries, and bring hope for world peace.

Upon arriving at Joint Base Andrews, children presented flowers to Xi and his wife, while soldiers standing on both sides of the red carpet rendered honours to them.

A military band performed the national anthems of China and the United States, a 21-gun salute was fired, and military aircraft flew over the ceremony as a sign of honour, the Chinese Media Group reported.