Luca Berrone, who met Xi Jinping in 1985, was invited to visit him in Seattle during his upcoming state visit. Berrone accepted the invitation and posted the video greeting for Xi on social media. [Photo/cctvnews]

Cherishing friends

Chinese President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the relationship with the US public, to enhance mutual understanding from a people-to-people perspective.

The following video is recorded by Luca Berrone, an old friend of Xi's, who met him in 1985, when he chauffeured Xi around Iowa during his visit there. He wishes him well on his state visit in the video.

Berrone, a general manager at industrial equipment manufacturer SACMI USA in Urbandale, Iowa, was a founding member of Iowa Sister States. Xi has invited Berrone to visit him in Seattle during his upcoming state visit. Berrone accepted the invitation and posted the video greeting for Xi on social media.