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President Xi Jinping is wrapping up his state visit to Poland. It's the second stop following his visit to Serbia of his current three-nation tour. In Warsaw, President Xi and his Polish counterpart witnessed the signing of a series of agreements to boost trade between the two nations.

Poland is a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, meant to better connect the economies of Asia and Europe.

It's been more than a decade since a Chinese head of state paid an official visit to Eastern Europe's largest economy. Xi Jinping's arrival in Warsaw this week has many hoping. It'll grow even bigger.

The ties are historic. Poland was among the first countries in the world to recognized the People's Republic of China, nearly 70 years ago.

But Poland is also China's largest trading partner in the region. Much of it, covered by the 16+1 framework set up a few years ago at a meeting in Warsaw. 16 formerly communist countries in Eastern Europe, plus one - China.

Poland was also one of the first country's to sign up for an international Chinese-led investment bank, launched earlier this year.

WARSAW, June 20, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and Polish President Andrzej Duda attend a press conference after their talks in Warsaw, Poland, June 20, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

Xi said, "The two countries should strengthen their ties as well as their development strategies and Poland should fully take advantage of its position as a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)."

Last year, bilateral trade topped 17 billion dollars much of it, in China's favor. Warsaw is hoping to change that.

Andrzej Duda said, "I hope that Poland will be an entrance to Europe for China, not only from a symbolic point of view but also from an economic point of view."

Poland wants to make use of a faster eastbound rail-network, to more quickly export fresh agricultural products to China.

While China is seeking Polish-made electronics, renewable energy technology, and auto manufacturing.

Xi also said, "We agreed to raise the level of the relationship between China and Poland to a strategic partnership in every area."

Ultimately, for China, this trip is about getting better economic access to Europe. Unlike his other stops - Serbia, and Uzbekistan, where Xi Jinping will travel on Tuesday - Poland is IN the European Union. Which means its eastern borders may ultimately serve as China's best gateway to the West.