Students wave the national flags of China and Mexico to welcome Angelica Rivera (R, front), wife of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, accompanied by Peng Liyuan (L, front), wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the Academy of Arts of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2014. Peng Liyuan invited Angelica Rivera, wife of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, to visit the Academy of Arts of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan invited Angelica Rivera, wife of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, to visit the Academy of Arts of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing on Thursday.

They were greatly impressed by the exhibition of paintings, dance performances and drama presented by teachers and students.

Peng said China hopes to enhance art exchanges with Mexico, and strengthen understanding and friendship between people of the two countries.

Rivera vowed to push for closer art exchanges between both countries.

Rivera was in China to accompany her husband, who attended the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and paid a state visit to China.