Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Saudi Arabia Tuesday on the first stop of his three-nation tour of the Middle East, as the world's second-largest economy seeks closer political and economic ties with the region.

This is the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to Saudi Arabia in seven years. Xi will also travel to Egypt and Iran on his first overseas visit this year that lasts from Jan. 19 to 23.

Saudi Arabia is China's biggest global supplier of crude oil and its biggest trading partner in West Asia and Africa. In 2013, China became the biggest trading partner of Saudi Arabia for the first time.

Saudi Arabia is the first Arab country Xi visits in the capacity of Chinese president, and this Middle East tour comes as China and Arab countries mark 60 years in diplomatic relations in 2016.

In Egypt, Xi will speak at the Arab League headquarters to make clear China's policy and propositions on promoting peace and development in the Middle East.