Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Bishkek Tuesday for his first state visit to Kyrgyzstan, where he will also attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

"The good neighborliness and friendship between China and Kyrgyzstan have been deepening since the establishment of bilateral relations 21 years ago," Xi said in a written statement upon his arrival, adding there are both strong basis and broad prospect for the advancement of bilateral ties.

Kyrgyzstan is the last stop of Xi's maiden trip to Central Asia since assuming the presidency in March.

During his four-day stay in Kyrgyzstan, Xi is expected to meet with his Kyrgyz counterpart Almazbek Atambaev on furthering bilateral relations and promoting cooperation.

Xi said he is looking forward to the meeting with Atambaev to chart the future course of China-Kyrgyzstan relations, strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries and their peoples, and promote the ties to a higher level.

Both leaders will sign a document on the results of Xi's visit, and participate in the signing ceremony of a package of cooperation deals.

Earlier, Atambaev said he hoped the Chinese president's visit will push forward Kyrgyzstan's mutually beneficial cooperation with China in every area, and lift bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership.

At the 13th meeting of the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States, Xi will sign with other leaders the Bishkek Declaration and approve a series of documents.

The Chinese leader will also witness the signing of a cooperation agreement on science and technology among the governments of the SCO members.

Before Kyrgyzstan, Xi visited Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He also attended a Group of 20 summit in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

(Xinhua News Agency September 10, 2013)