At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Isaias Afwerki of the State of Eritrea will start paying a state visit to China on May 14, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Friday. 

Eritrea is an important country in the Horn of Africa region and the two countries share traditional friendship, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a regular press briefing. 

In 2022, the two heads of state jointly decided to upgrade China-Eritrea relations to a strategic partnership, he noted.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties. China and Eritrea continue to deepen mutual trust, achieve fruitful results in practical cooperation and maintain close communication in international and regional affairs, said Wang. 

President Xi will hold a welcome ceremony and welcome banquet for President Isaias, and the two heads of state will hold talks.

It is hoped that the visit will inject new impetus into the comprehensive and in-depth development of China-Eritrea relations, and promote friendly bilateral cooperation to achieve new progress, Wang said.

(Cover: The Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, China. /CFP)