Xiaomi has inked a deal with Microsoft to work together to integrate and collaborate on AI, cloud computing and hardware services.

The two companies have signed a strategic framework MoU to work closely to explore ways to drive deeper technology integration and collaboration, particularly around AI.

The deal will see Microsoft’s cloud computing and AI technology combined with Xiaomi’s mobile and smart devices to help accelerate the Chinese brand’s international growth.

As part of the deal the two companies will explore ways to integrate Microsoft’s technology with Xiaomi’s smart hardware and smart device ecosystems. Among a host of proposed collaborative projects will be the integration of Microsoft’s Cortana technology with the Mi AI speaker.

Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform will also be used to support Xiaomi’s user data storage and services, while Microsoft services will also support Xiaomi laptops will also be support

Dr. Harry Shum, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence and Research Group said, “Xiaomi is one of the most innovative companies in China, and it is becoming increasingly popular in various markets around the world. Microsoft’s unique strengths and experience in AI, as well as our products like Azure, will enable Xiaomi to develop more cutting-edge technology for everyone around the world.”

Wang Xiang, global senior vice president and head of international business at Xiaomi, said: “Xiaomi’s mission is to deliver innovation to everyone around the world. By collaborating with Microsoft on multiple technology areas, Xiaomi will accelerate our pace to bring more exciting products and services to our users. At the same time, this partnership would allow Microsoft to reach more users around the world who are using Xiaomi products.”

The new deal builds on existing deals between the two companies. In 2015, Xiaomi adopted Microsoft Azure to run its Mi Cloud service for smartphone users, then in 2016, Xiaomi began to pre-install Microsoft Office and Skype apps on its Android-based smartphones and tablets.