Chinese President Xi Jingping on Saturday embarks on his first official European trip since he became president of China over a year ago.

Xi left Beijing on Saturday, together with his wife Peng Liyuan, to visit the Netherlands for the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS).

On the sidelines of the NSS in the Hague, President Xi is expected to meet US President Barack Obama, where the two are set to discuss political and economic issues.

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The Chinese president will also visit the European countries of France, Germany and Belgium for his 10-day trip to the region. He is also scheduled to drop by the headquarters of the European Union.

During his official European visit, Xi is expected to sign various agreements and deals on manufacturing, energy, finance and cultural exchanges. These include the signing of the US$20-billion deal between China and Airbus for the purchase of 150 passenger jets.

The Netherlands, Xi's first stop, will have its first visit by a Chinese president since 1972, when the country and China signed diplomatic cooperation agreement. During his visit, Xi will renew the cooperation and sign deals on agriculture, finance, energy and culture.

The President will also meet King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

From the Netherlands, Xi will fly to France to visit the EU headquarters and meet President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

In Germany, Xi will meet President Joachem Gauck and Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Germany visit will be the first by a Chinese president in eight years.

Xi's last stop in Europe will be in Belgium, where he is set to meet the country's ruler, King Philippe, and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo.

In Belgium, Xi will sign agreements on trade, science and technology, and education and observe the 50th anniversary of the Belgium-China diplomatic relations.