Chinese vice president Xi Jinping is in Malta on an official visit this weekend.
Mr Xi called on Acting President George Hyzler at the Palace in Valletta yesterday, where he also met with Speaker Louis Galea.
Coinciding with Carnival in the capital city, the delegation's itinerary also included a visit to the Chinese Cultural Centre in Melita Street, where he toured the exhibitions on display and chatted in Chinese with the Maltese and foreigners who are learning the "fantastic" language there.
Mr Xi also toured Grand Harbour and called on opposition leader Joseph Muscat in the afternoon.
Today, the vice president is visiting the AFM headquarters in Luqa for a ceremony that is being attended by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. The two will then go to Castille for official talks.