Xi arrives in Monaco to update friendly exchanges

President Xi Jinping arrived in Monaco on Sunday for a state visit, the first one paid by a Chinese president to the European city state.

Though the two countries are far apart geographically, and differ in their national conditions, relations between the two countries have been gaining momentum thanks to the close connections of Prince Albert II - the reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco - with China.

Since his first trip to the country in 1993, the prince has paid 10 visits to China in different capacities, ranging from a member of the International Olympic Committee, as well as crown prince and head of state.