Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Prague, for a three-day state visit to the Czech Republic. The country sent two fighter jets to escort Xi’s plane after it entered Czech airspace.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R front) arrives at the airport in Prague, Czech Republic, March 28, 2016. Xi started a three-day state visit to the Czech Republic from Monday. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

Xi was welcomed by Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek. He said the Czech Republic is China’s key cooperation partner in Central and Eastern Europe, and bilateral ties have entered the fast track. Xi said he looks forward to meeting with the country’s leaders, to boost mutual political trust and pragmatic cooperation.

During his stay in the country, both sides are expected to sign a number of deals covering sectors such as finance, infrastructure, technology and cultural exchanges. The countries’ leaders will also discuss China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, bilateral ties and China-Europe relations.