Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing Thursday morning, kicking off a three-day state visit as guest of his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.

During his stay in Beijing, Putin will exchange views with Hu on issues of bilateral ties, and on international and regional issues of shared concern. Also, both countries will sign a joint communique and a series of important cooperation documents.

Putin's visit is an important part of the celebrations of the 55th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He and Hu will attend a series of commemorative activities.

Besides Beijing, he will visit the historical city of Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

This is Putin's third visit to China and also his first visit in his second presidential term.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2004)