Chinese President Xi Jinping is warmly welcomed by Myanmar's First Vice President U Myint Swe and several cabinet ministers upon his arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 17, 2020. Xi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday for a state visit to Myanmar. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday for a state visit to Myanmar.

Two Myanmar fighter jets escorted Xi's plane as it entered the country's airspace.

Myanmar's First Vice President U Myint Swe and several cabinet ministers warmly welcomed Xi upon his arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport.

Myanmar children presented flowers to the Chinese president, and local youths and artists in national costumes performed traditional dances and songs.

Waving the two countries' national flags, Myanmar children and youths cheered for the China-Myanmar friendship, and wished Xi a good health.

Along Xi's route from the airport to downtown, huge portraits of Xi and banners celebrating the China-Myanmar friendship and cooperation were also put up to welcome the Chinese president.

Upon his arrival, Xi extended sincere greetings and good wishes to the government and the people of Myanmar on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

Calling China and Myanmar friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Xi stressed that the two peoples enjoy a profound "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship.

"Since the establishment of our diplomatic ties 70 years ago, we have championed and acted upon the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and made steady progress in our exchanges and cooperation in various areas," Xi said.

The Chinese president said he looks forward to having in-depth discussions with leaders of Myanmar on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest to carry forward the "Paukphaw" friendship and strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperation.

"I am convinced that the concerted efforts of our two sides will make this visit a success and take the bilateral ties to a new level and into a new era," Xi said.

During his two-day stay, Xi is scheduled to attend a series of state events held by Myanmar President U Win Myint, hold talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, meet with Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing, and exchange views with the leaders of Myanmar's parliament and political parties.

Xi will also join Myanmar leaders in a series of celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the launching ceremony of the China-Myanmar Culture and Tourism Year program.

It is Xi's first overseas trip this year, and the first visit to the Asian neighbor by a Chinese president after an interval of 19 years.