Chinese President Xi Jinping and Czech President Milos Zeman plant a gingko tree together at the Lany chateau, west of Prague on Monday, March 28, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to begin his 2nd day of his 3-day state visit to the Czech Republic later on this Tuesday.

Following his arrival on Monday, Xi Jinping and Czech President Milos Zeman have met at the Lany chateau, west of Prague.

The two presidents took part in a ceremony, planting a gingko tree together, which President Xi Jinping has dubbed a symbol of friendship.

"You once sent me a young apple tree, and now I give you a gingko sapling as a return gift. It's symbol of our mutual friendship."

Zeman brought an apple tree to China during his first visit with Xi Jinping 2-years ago.

A formal meeting between the two leaders is scheduled for later this Tuesday.

As part of Xi Jinping's trip, a joint declaration is expected to be signed, increasing diplomatic ties to a strategic partnership level.

More than 20 other agreements are also expected to be signed in areas such as trade, finance, health care and aviation.

It is the first state visit by a Chinese president to the Czech Republic since ties were established 67 years ago between the PRC and the former Czechoslovakia.

Following his time in the Czech Republic, Xi Jinping will be heading to Washington to take part in this year's Nuclear Security Summit on Thursday and Friday.