When he stepped on Mexican soil on Tuesday, President Xi Jinping became the first president to make a state visit there since Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto assumed office, the Mexican ambassador to China said.

Xi's visit comes after Pena Nieto attended the Boao Forum in Hainan province in April in his maiden visit outside Latin America.

"This exchange of visits so soon after the start of both presidents' administrations is a reflection of their firm commitment to significantly strengthen their relationship in key areas where there is enormous potential for mutual benefit," Julian Ventura, the Mexican ambassador to China, said on Tuesday.