China's head Xi Jinping is set to visit the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Senegal, and Rwanda this July. The state visit follows the signing of Beijing's One Belt, One Road Initiative and as part of the 10th BRICS summit leg.
A Xinhuanet report said that the Chinese leader is expected to be in the aforementioned countries from July 19 to 24.
Details of the official visit were disclosed on Thursday via the Chinese foreign ministry's website. Xi's upcoming overseas travel is upon the request of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE, Macky Sall of Senegal, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
This is in light of the recent signing of economic agreements made between Beijing and the Arab States during the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, which was held on Tuesday at the nation's capital.
At the opening of CASCF, Xi highlighted the growing relations of involved countries as they look forward to "enhance strategic mutual trust," as well as to promote "inclusiveness and mutual learning."
The Arab states, including the UAE, have shown support and participation to China's One Belt, One Road Initiative.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an intercontinental development strategy launched by China to promote cooperation between countries in the Eurasian region. It is also being referred to with its lengthy Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road.
"The Arab states are now exploring a development path that suits their national conditions, eagerly expect to participate in the Belt and Road construction, and stand ready to take this opportunity to deepen practical cooperation in various fields with China," the press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read
Meanwhile, it was also announced that the Chinese envoy headed by the premier will be staying in Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 25 to 28. This is in line with the 10th annual BRICS summit which Xin is expected to attend.
The Asian powerhouse is one of the founding countries of BRICS which stands for the five rising global economies namely, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
En route to Beijing, Xin is also slated to stop by in the island nation of Mauritius for a "friendly visit."
