Chinese President Xi Jinping has welcomed visiting Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon in a welcoming ceremony held outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Rakhmon arrived in the Chinese capital on Sunday afternoon for a state visit at President Xi's invitation. President Xi Jinping met with him following the ceremony.

Other Chinese leaders including top Chinese legislator Zheng Dejiang and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli will also meet with President Rakhmon.

This is Emomali Rahmon's first official visit to China. Both countries wish to maintain close bilateral ties through talks.