习近平访问捷克促进两国政治经济关系

Chinese president Xi Jinping has arrived in Prague as part of a historic three-day visit to the Czech Republic. The visit is designed to build strong political, economic and cultural links.

PRAGUE, March 28, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Czech President Milos Zeman at the Lany presidential chateau in central Bohemia, Czech Republic, March 28, 2016. Xi started a three-day state visit to the Czech Republic from Monday, the first state visit by a Chinese president in 67 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Increasing numbers of tourists and investors from Central and Eastern Europe have been drawn to this country since it joined the European Union in 2004. More recently, the Czech Republic has also been cultivating closer ties with China, culminating in this Prague touchdown by President Xi Jinping.

Czech President Milos Zeman welcomed the Chinese leader to Prague Castle, his official residence.

Senior officials are expected to announce a large number of business deals during the three-day visit, covering civil aviation, nuclear power, tourism and infrastructure.

They are also seeking to build bridges in culture, science and tourism. That's welcome news to Chinese nationals living in the Czech Republic.

"President Xi's visit is the first state visit by a Chinese leader since the two countries established their diplomatic relations. We are very excited about it, and hope this high-level activity will bring our relations to a higher level," said Guan Shaoji, Chinese national living in Czech Republic.

Xi Jinping's visit reflects China's intention to broaden its trade power stretching from central Asia to the Middle East, what's known as the "Belt and Road" initiative.

In recent years, the Czech Republic has carefully cultivated a reputation for being attractive to global investors and is now likely to play a pivotal role in developing China's regional trade ambitions.