Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will pay official visits to Egypt, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda from June 17 to 24, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman announced in Beijing on June 8 (Thursday).

Liu Jianchao said Wen would pay the visits at the invitation of Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Mahmoud Mohamed Nazef, Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou-nguesso, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, South African President Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

This will be Premier Wen's second visit to Africa, said Liu, adding Wen will hold talks with leaders of the seven countries and exchange views in depth on promoting bilateral relations, Sino-African ties and other issues of common concern, based on the spirit of deepening friendship, enhancing mutual trust, expanding cooperation and common development.

"Wen's visit will be China's another important act in its diplomacy toward Africa, following the publication of African policy documents early this year and a successful visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao to three African nations in April," said Liu.

He said Wen's visit is aimed at further consolidating and developing traditional China-Africa friendship, expanding cooperation of mutual benefit and establishing and developing a new strategic partnership between China and Africa.

"I believe the visits will further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between China and the seven African countries and promote the development of Sino-African friendly and cooperative ties," said Liu.