World Bulletin / News Desk

China's President Xi Jinping arrived in Russia on Friday as he pays the first formal visit abroad after being elected president.

Ahead of his visit, Xi told Russian press that he was impatient to see Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Due to the intensive efforts by both countries in the past 20 years Chinese-Russian relations have reached the level of strategic partnership," said Xi.

Xi also expressed confidence that the two countries would be able to "translate the benefits of high-level political relations into actual results of practical cooperation."

Putin, who also spoke to reporters prior to the meeting, said that Russian-Chinese relations were on the rise.

Putin added that the relations were characterised by a high degree of mutual trust and respect for each other's interests.

Following his visit, Xi will also tour Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo.