Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Pretoria for a state visit to South Africa. This is Xi Jinping's second visit to the "Rainbow Nation" as the Chinese president.

Chinese PresidentXi Jinping(L) and his wife Peng Liyuan wave upon their arrival in Pretoria, South Africa, Dec. 2, 2015. Xi arrived here on Wednesday for a state visit to South Africa. (TingVoa.com/Pang Xinglei)

The president pointed out that China-South Africa relations have entered their best times ever. Xi said he expects to have in-depth talks with South African President Jacob Zuma. He emphasized that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in key areas such as marine resources and products, energy and infrastructure.

The South African side welcomed Xi with an official ceremony, during which a 21-gun salute was sounded and the two presidents inspected a guard of honor. Besides meeting with South African leaders to strengthen bilateral ties, President Xi will co-chair a forum in Johannesburg with Zuma on China-Africa cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd L, front) and his wife Peng Liyuan (2nd R, front) are welcomed by South Africa's International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane upon their arrival in Pretoria, South Africa, Dec. 2, 2015. Xi arrived here on Wednesday for a state visit to South Africa.(TingVoa.com/Lan Hongguang)