President Xi lands in Kyrgyzstan ahead of SCO summit

President Xi Jinping kicked off his visit to Kyrgyzstan earlier today where he is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit this year.

Xi and his wife arrived at Manas International Airport in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek this afternoon -- waving as they departed from the plane.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and his wife personally welcomed the Chinese president at the airport, where traditional songs and dances were performed to celebrate the occasion.

President Xi issued a statement hailing the healthy development of Sino-Kyrgyz ties over the past 34 years, adding that the two countries have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Over the course of his visit, the president will hold discussions with his Kyrgyz counterpart on bilateral cooperation as well as push for new development at the SCO summit.