Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a state visit to Russia, the first stop on his first overseas tour in office. He’s pledged on various occasions to deepen China’s comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination with Russia.

Xi Jinping, arrived in Moscow on Friday. He’s met with the Russian President, Prime Minister and other senior officials. A trip that far exceeds expectations that’s how China’s new president described his time in Moscow.

Xi Jinping met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, a day after holding talks with his Russian counterpart. He praised the cooperation of two sides in dealing with changing international circumstances in recent years. And he called for deepening the strategic partnership whose benefits extend beyond their own borders.

Xi Jinping was the first foreign president to visit the Russian Defense Ministry. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says it reflects the importance of the strategic relationship.

Xi Jinping says the complex international situation requires strengthening military exchanges and cooperation. Xi Jinping met with the President of the State Duma, Russia’s legislature, Sergei Narysh-kin.

Xi says he believes the Duma will provide support for the many common understandings he’s reached with President Putin. Narysh-kin congratulated President Xi on the success of China’s 12th National People’s Congress. He says the two countries have much in common, and he wants to see more exchanges between their legislatures and political parties.

President Xi Jinping had a similar message for the Russian Federation Council chairwoman, Valentina Matviyenko. He also called for regular meetings between local leaders in a bid to promote cooperation in tourism, culture and education. Matviyenko says Russian people are delighted to see China’s great achievements. She also says Russia’s Far East is willing to increase cooperation with China.