Chinese president arrives in Singapore on two-day visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Singapore on Friday for a two-day state visit.

This is Xi's first visit to Singapore as president, Xinhua news agency reported.

During his stay in Singapore, Xi is also scheduled to meet Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou on Saturday, the first meeting in 66 years between leaders of Taiwan and China. Singapore is acting as the mediator.

Singapore President Tan visited China from late June to early July. Thus it is also the first time that the two countries' heads of state exchange visits during the same year, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Singapore diplomatic ties.

In 2014, bilateral trade hit $79.74 billion, a 28-fold increase over two decades ago.

China-Singapore cooperation has always been forward looking and pace-setting as the two countries will redefine their relations to keep abreast of the times and expand to various areas, said Chinese ambassador to Singapore Chen Xiaodong.

China and Singapore are expected to announce the third government-to-government project besides the Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-city during Xi's visit.

Leaders of the two countries will jointly promote the upgrading of a bilateral free trade agreement. The two countries will sign an array of cooperation agreements on education, customs, finance and urban governance.

Xi will also deliver a speech on China-Singapore, China-Asean relations as well as the regional situation.

Xi arrived in Singapore after he wrapped up his state visit to Vietnam.