Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes begins a tour of Mainland China today that will include meetings to discuss trade and strategic issues, the Government-run Xinhua news agency reports.

Mr Nunes is scheduled to meet Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan to discuss economic and trade affairs, while he will also take part in the second Brazil-China Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The report says Mr Nunes will also attend a meeting of foreign ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – the “BRICS” countries – scheduled to take place in Beijing this Sunday and Monday.

Mr Nunes’ visit should extend the political trust between the two countries, strengthen cooperation and contribute to the development of the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic relationship, Xinhua says.