Beijing, Apr 14 (Prensa Latina) Chinese President Xi Jinping received here today his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and formally welcomed him on his state visit to China.

Xi received the South American leader at the Great People’s Palace with the honors corresponding to his high investiture, before proceeding to the official talks.

The first moment of the meeting was open to the press and was followed by another segment, but behind closed doors.

During the presidential meeting, the two leaders are expected to review the bilateral agenda and analyze a proposal by Lula to form a club of mediators in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

At the end of their talks, both will witness the signing of some twenty agreements between their countries covering multiple sectors.

Before meeting with Xi, Lula spoke with Premier Li Qiang, the parliamentary leader, Zhao Leji, and the president of the state electricity corporation, Zhang Zhigang.

To all three he expressed Brazil’s willingness to strengthen the strategic partnership, expand trade and investment flows, as well as join forces with China to promote a balance in world geopolitics.

He also had a contact with representatives of the All China Federation of Trade Unions and paid tribute to the martyrs of this country with the placement of a wreath in front of the Heroes Monument, located in the central Tiananmen Square.

The Brazilian dignitary arrived last night in Beijing from the municipality of Shanghai (east), where he had a marathon day of meetings and tours of centers of economic interest yesterday. His visit will conclude tomorrow.