(ECNS) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Ecuador Daniel Roy-Gilchrist Noboa Azín will pay a state visit to China from August 16 to 23, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry announced on Friday.

China and Ecuador are comprehensive strategic partners, said the spokesperson, adding that over recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Ecuador relations have maintained a sound momentum of growth.

The two sides have signed a document on Belt and Road cooperation and a free trade agreement.

Practical cooperation in various areas has been fruitful and the friendship between the peoples has been deepening, the spokesperson noted.

The upcoming visit will be President Daniel Noboa’s first state visit to China.

President Xi will hold talks with Noboa, and Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with him respectively, the spokesperson said.  

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Ecuador comprehensive strategic partnership.

China hopes the visit will help further consolidate political mutual trust between the two countries, carry forward the traditional friendship, and achieve new progress in the comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of the two peoples, the spokesperson said.