Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Greece for a state visit, the first by a Chinese head of state to the European nation in 11 years.

Xi is expected to hold in-depth talks with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on developing bilateral relations under the new situation, so as to jointly map out the blueprint for future cooperation between the two countries and open a new chapter in their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The talks will include deepening bilateral relations, expanding pragmatic cooperation and opening a new chapter of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that Greece boasts a long-lasting history and glorious culture, Xi expressed his hope that China and Greece, both ancient civilizations, would promote dialogue and harmonious coexistence among various civilizations.

Xi pointed out that China and Greece have maintained a high level of development in their relations over recent years, as witnessed by frequent high-level exchanges, constant deepening of political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation results under the Belt and Road Initiative, which is marked by the Piraeus Port project.

The two countries have also kept close communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, contributing to world peace, stability, development and prosperity, Xi said.

China and Greece are to release a joint statement on further improving their partnership and sign a series of agreements on cooperation in various fields.

Greece is the first stop on Xi's ongoing Europe and Latin America tour. Following Greece, Xi will attend the 11th BRICS summit from November 13-14 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Chinese investment injects impetus to Greece

China has invested in Greece in recent years as the country has struggled with a debt crisis and international bailouts. Public debt will still be 173 percent of GDP this year, according to the Greek government, but growth is returning here after years of tough austerity. The official budget predicts growth of two percent in 2019.

On the streets of Athens, public sentiment around the visit is largely positive. "I don't know much about the visit but for me, anything that brings money, work and employment to Greece is a positive thing," said Athens-based taxi driver Christos Kyriakousis.

Chinese investment here has ramped up in recent years, leading to a bilateral relationship worth more than seven billion U.S. dollars in 2018, according to figures from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Commenting on the visit, Mary, a pensioner living in Athens, said: "The Chinese President is welcome to Greece. China is a very big and important country, with a rich culture."

During the state visit, several trade agreements are expected to be signed, with the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister saying "billions of dollars worth of deals" could be formalized.

20-year-old students George and Paulina on the streets of Athens, said: "The visit is important and Greece needs more cash coming into the country because of the economic crisis. One example is the port of Piraeus which has been developed thanks to Chinese investment."

Culture will also be high on President Xi's agenda, with the Chinese leader penning an article in Greek media highlighting the "historic" relations between the two "great civilizations."

With the EU member state now a major part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, it is a bilateral relation that is likely to go from strength to strength.

(With input from Xinhua. CGTN's Nawied Jabarkhyl also contributed to the story.)

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan disembark from the airplane upon their arrival at the airport in Athens, Greece, November 10, 2019. /Xinhua photo)