Premier Wen Jiabao will pay official visits to Egypt, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda from June 17 to 24, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

 

Wen's visits are at the invitation of Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Mahmoud Mohamed Nazef, Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou-nguesso, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, South African President Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

 

This will be Wen's second visit to Africa, said Liu. He added that Wen would hold talks with leaders of the seven countries and exchange in-depth views on promoting bilateral relations, Sino-African ties and other issues of common concern, based on the spirit of deepening friendship, enhancing mutual trust, expanding cooperation and common development.

 

"Wen's visit will be another important act by China in its diplomacy toward Africa following the publication of African policy documents earlier this year and a successful visit by President Hu Jintao to three African nations in April," said Liu.

 

He said Wen's visit was aimed at further consolidating and developing the traditional China-Africa friendship, expanding cooperation of mutual benefit and establishing and developing a new strategic partnership between the countries.?

 

"I believe the visits will further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between China and the seven African countries and promote the development of Sino-African friendly and cooperative ties," said Liu.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2006)