He will leave Shanghai Monday afternoon for Beijing, where he will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and meet with other Chinese leaders.

Leaders of the two countries are expected to discuss bilateral ties and major international and regional issues of common concern, according to diplomatic sources.

A girl presents a bouquet to US President Barack Obama after he arrives at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Nov. 15, 2009. [Zhang Ming/Xinhua]

Presidents of the two countries have met several times since Obama took office.

They agreed to forge positive, cooperative and comprehensive ties in the 21st century during their first meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 financial summit in London in April and pledged to further such relations in another meeting five months later in New York.

Obama's visit to China will be of great significance for the development of Sino-US ties in the new era, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Saturday.

US President Barack Obama arrives in Shanghai on Nov. 15, 2009 to begin his first state visit to China. [Chen Fei/Xinhua]