Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili arrived in Beijing on Monday, starting his first official state visit to China.

During his six-day China tour, Saakashvili will have talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and meet with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

Apart from Beijing, Saakashvili is to visit China's financial hub of Shanghai.

Prior to his departure, Saakashvili told Xinhua that Georgia attaches great importance to the relations with China.

He said Georgia is the transportation hinge of the Silk Road, which connects northwest China with Europe, via Central Asia and Caspian Sea. Georgia is also the bridge for Chinese merchandise into Europe.

Source: Xinhua