Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) holds a welcome ceremony for Prince Albert II, head of state of the Principality of Monaco, before their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 7, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held talks with Prince Albert II, head of state of the Principality of Monaco, pledging to further promote bilateral friendly ties with the European country to bear new fruits.

Prince Albert II is paying a state visit to China from Sept. 5 to 8 at the invitation of Xi.