Di Rupo welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to Belgium

The Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Brussels Airport on Sunday morning, where he and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo.

As part of his three-day visit to Belgium, the President visited the Royal Palace to meet with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. The royal couple then accompanied him on a visit to animal park Pairi Daiza in Brugelette, where two Chinese pandas recently took up residence.

It is the first visit by Xi Jinping to Belgium since he was president and the first official visit by a Chinese head of state to the European institutions.

According to Brussels police, there were more than 300 people in front of the Royal Palace to welcome the President with traditional Chinese dance and Chinese and Belgian flags.