A delegation including representatives from five Guinea-Bissau political parties will visit China between February 28 and March 9, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Artur Silva, Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said on Monday the five parties had been invited by the Communist Party of China to visit the Asian country. He added that during the visit, the parties’ representatives would discuss bilateral relations with their Chinese counterparts.

“China is an essential partner for Guinea-Bissau,” Mr Silva was quoted as saying.

All five parties represented in the Guinea-Bissau parliament – the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde; Social Renewal Party; Democratic Convergence Party; New Democracy Party and Union for Change Party – will join the visit.

Representatives of the Guinea-Bissau-China Friendship Association will also take part in the 14-member delegation, Xinhua added.