On July 4, 2017, President Xi Jinping arrived in Berlin by special plane, starting his state visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.

When Xi Jinping's special plane entered into German territorial airspace, two German fighter jets took off to escort it. At around 6:30 p.m. local time, the special plane arrived at Berlin Tegel Airport. Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan stepped out the cabin door. The 21-gun salute was fired at the airport, and fighter jets flew over to extend regards. Senior officials of the German government welcomed Xi Jinping by the accommodation ladder. The honor guard lined up on both sides of the red carpet.

Extending sincere greetings and best wishes to the German people on behalf of the Chinese people, Xi Jinping pointed out that since China and Germany established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, the two countries have upheld the spirit of equal treatment, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation, deepened practical cooperation in various fields, and elevated China-Germany relations to new highs. At present, cooperation in various fields between China and Germany is displaying vigorous and robust development momentum. China-Germany cooperation has delivered tangible benefits to the two peoples, playing a positive leading and exemplary role in promoting China-Europe and Asia-Europe cooperation. As major economies in the world, China and Germany share not only broad common interests, but also responsibilities to make contributions to promoting world stability and prosperity.

Xi Jinping stressed that China-Germany relations are facing new development opportunities. I expect to join efforts with German leaders to clarify new targets and chart new course for the development of bilateral all-round strategic partnership, so as to push bilateral relations for further progress. China stands ready to work with Germany to promote the G20 Hamburg Summit for positive progress on the basis of the Hangzhou Summit held last year, and jointly send positive signals of opening up, cooperation and win-win results, in a bid to inject fresh impetus into the promotion of world economic growth.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu Yang Jiechi and other delegation members arrived by the same plane.

H.E. Shi Mingde, Chinese Ambassador to Germany, also greeted President Xi Jinping at the airport.

Xi Jinping arrived in Germany after the completion of his state visit to Russia. Before leaving Moscow, the Russian Government held a farewell ceremony for Xi Jinping at the airport. During his stay in Germany, Xi Jinping will also visit Hamburg to attend the 12th G20 Summit.