The President of East Timor, Taur Matan Ruak, starts this Tuesday his first official visit to China. He will be attending a wide range of meetings and ceremonies, Portuguese news agency Lusa reported.

President Ruak leads an official delegation including the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Hernâni Coelho. The visit lasts until September 5, Lusa quoted President Ruak’s office saying in a statement.

The visit aims to “thank China for being the first country to recognise the declaration of independence of East Timor” in 1975, and its contribution to the development of the Portuguese-speaking country, the office said.

During his visit, President Ruak will also look into ways to “intensify co-operation between the two countries”, particularly in tourism, agriculture, job training, and the oil and gas sector, the statement added.

In addition, President Ruak, who came to office in 2012, will take the opportunity to invite Chinese officials to participate in celebrations for the country’s 40th anniversary in November, Lusa reported.