Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the United States on Wednesday for a state visit aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

President Trump met Xi on the tarmac in a rare personal welcome for a visiting leader. The arrival ceremony featured a 21-gun salute and the national anthems of the United States and China.

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The two presidents are scheduled to hold formal talks at the White House on Thursday. The meeting will address several issues, including the tariff truce, the conflict with Iran, Taiwan and competition over artificial intelligence.

Xi arrived with his wife, Peng Liyuan, at 5:40 p.m. aboard an Air China aircraft. His visit is scheduled to continue through September 25.

Xi later called for closer cooperation between the two countries, saying China and the United States should be “partners, not rivals.” In written remarks published by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, he said the goals of national rejuvenation in China and making America great again could “go hand in hand,” complement each other and benefit the world.

The visit will also include a state dinner hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania for Xi and Peng on Thursday evening at the presidential residence.

On the final day of the trip, Xi is scheduled to visit the National Archives with Trump, where the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence are preserved.

Before Xi’s arrival, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said the two countries need to establish “constructive strategic stability.” He described the concept as more than “a slogan,” saying it represents a commitment to work “in the same direction.”

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