Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will pay an official visit to Latin America next week on a four-nation tour including Brazil, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua confirmed.

The agency quoted Hua Chunying, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying Mr Li will visit Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Chile from May 18 to May 26.

Last July, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid visits to Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba and Argentina on a four-nation tour aimed at boosting ties between China and the region. During the visit, Mr Xi said China could help Brazil to build a transcontinental railway connecting the country to Peru.

Brazilian media had already reported last month Mr Li would visit the country in May to discuss a wide range of co-operation topics, including the purchase of 60 Brazilian-made aircraft and imports of Brazilian beef.

It is also expected Mr Li will discuss with Brazil’s officials the involvement of the South American nation in the China-led Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank.