Xi: China, Brazil ties at 'best period in history'

China and Brazil announced on Wednesday that they would elevate their bilateral ties to a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. Both sides also pledged to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the Latin American nation's development strategies.

President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a joint declaration to advance bilateral ties after holding talks at the president's official residence on the second day of the Chinese president's state visit to Brazil.

"The China-Brazil relationship is at its best period in history," Xi said, before noting that "the most wonderful chapter" of China-Brazil relations is yet to come.

The Chinese president, on his first visit to the nation in five years, was given a grand welcome. Xi's official state car was escorted by a cavalry of 120 dragoons, and his arrival also featured a marching honor guard.

The elevation of bilateral ties marked another historic moment in China-Brazil relations, Xi said.

"It meets the expectations of both peoples, gives impetus and support to the modernization of the two countries, and demonstrates the resolve to jointly defend international fairness and justice and promote common development of the world."

He underlined Beijing's readiness to work with Brasilia to continually enrich China-Brazil relations in new era, to be "golden partners" who help each other succeed, to keep working toward the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind and creating a more just world and a more sustainable planet.