Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang will visit Brazil from June 26 to 27 and jointly chair a bilateral meeting of senior officials, said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hong Lei, a Ministry spokesman, said in a regular press briefing last week that Mr Wang was invited to visit the South American nation by Brazil’s Vice-President, Michel Temer.

“During his visit, Vice Premier Wang Yang will co-host the fourth meeting of China-Brazil High-level Coordination and Cooperation Committee with Vice-President of Brazil, Michel Temer”, said Mr Hong. “We hope this visit will intensify high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust and advance bilateral practical co-operation in various areas”, he added.

The Committee is described as a platform for both Beijing and Brazil to forge closer ties. Its first meeting was held in Beijing in March 2006.

Mr Wang’s Brazil visit is the second such trip by a senior Chinese leader in a month. China’s Premier, Li Keqiang, visited Brazil in May, signing 35 trade and investment deals worth US$53 billion.

“China stands ready to work with Brazil to fully implement the important consensus reached between leaders of the two countries on the development of China-Brazil relations, and [to] continue to enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil,” Mr Hong added.

Mr Wang will visit Cuba on June 25, before travelling to Brazil.