China’s Premier Li Keqiang is to visit Brazil starting from May 19 to discuss a wide range of co-operation topics with the Government of the South American country, Brazilian media reported.

The purchase of 60 Brazilian-made aircraft and imports of Brazilian beef are expected to be among the topics discussed between the two nations.

Senior officials of China and Brazil are also expected to talk about the involvement of the latter in the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Portugal also joined the regional lender, which will start operations later this year, as a founding member.

Before Mr Li’s visit, a delegation headed by officials from China’s National Development and Reform Commission will visit Brazil on May 4 to discuss co-operation in the railway sector, the Brazilian media reports added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said last year he hoped China could help the South American nation to build a transcontinental railway connecting Brazil to Peru.