Xi Jinping arrives in US; Trump greets him personally for three days of crucial talks 

WASHINGTON: Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States for a three-day visit. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were received by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the airport in Joint Base Andrews in Washington.

Trump arranged a grand welcome for Xi, including military honours and a flypast. The crucial bilateral talks taking place in Washington are expected to focus on the Iran war, Taiwan issue, artificial intelligence, and trade tariffs. Xi is also scheduled to attend events including a dinner at the White House and an air show.

Meantime, the first round of talks at the United Nations ended amid hopes of a possible easing of tensions between Iran and the US. During the general session, Iran and the US held a crucial three-hour meeting held under Qatar's mediation. Hopes of a thaw in the Middle East grew after Trump said that the first round of talks had gone well and that the next round would take place soon.

Iran also said that it had conveyed its conditions to Qatar. US Special Representative Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner met with a delegation that included Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran is reportedly believed to have put forward demands including the lifting of the naval blockade, the release of Iran's frozen assets, and an end to the conflict in the Middle East.