CCTV9英语新闻：President Xi Jinping leaves Beijing for state visit to Czech Republic（在线收听）

Chinese President Xi Jinping has left Beijing for a state visit to the Czech Republic. It will be the first time for a Chinese President to visit the country since diplomatic ties were established 67 years ago. It will also be President Xi's first visit to a Central-Eastern European country.

The visit will run through Wednesday. President Xi will meet his counterpart Milos Zeman as well as Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Senate chairman Milan Stech, Chamber of Deputies chairman Jan Hamacek and Prague Mayor Adriana Krnacova. The two leaders are expected to sign a number of deals covering sectors including finance, infrastructure, technology and cultural exchanges. 

The two Presidents are expected to discuss China's "Belt and Road" initiative, as well as exchange views on other global and regional issues. Both nations hope to increase bilateral ties in areas such as trade, infrastructure, finance, and cultural exchange.