Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos will visit China next week. The aim is to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying confirmed in a regular press conference on Wednesday.

Mr dos Santos will pay a state visit to China from June 8 to 13 following an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a transcript of the press conference posted on the Ministry’s website.

“China-Angola relations have become an example of relationships between China and African countries featuring mutual benefits and common development,” said Ms Hua.

“Leaders of the two countries will meet, hold talks and sign co-operation documents during President dos Santos’ visit,” she added. “It is believed that President Santos’ visit will further enliven the strategic partnership between China and Angola,” the official said.

Mr dos Santos last visited China in December 2008, while Mr Xi paid a visit to the African nation in 2010, when he was still Vice-President of China.

Earlier this week Chinese Ambassador to Angola, Gao Kexiang, announced that Mr dos Santos would visit China “very soon”, but did not mention a date.