Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan [File Photo: Xinhua]

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan will attend the 22nd St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) and visit Belarus from May 24 to 29, at the invitation of Russia and Belarus, said the spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday.

It will be Wang’s first visit abroad since taking office as vice-president in March.

He will exchange in-depth views with Russian leaders on deepening bilateral relations and other issues of common interest, spokesperson Lu Kang said at a daily press briefing.

 "This visit will further strengthen high-level exchanges between the two countries, deepen all-round cooperation, and further promote the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination," Lu said.

 After attending the forum in Russia, Wang will travel to Belarus, exchange views with Belarusian leaders on bilateral ties and visit the China-Belarus industrial park, a special economic zone developed within the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative, according to Lu.

Wang has met with foreign political figures in China over the past two months. 

He met Dominican Foreign Minister  Miguel Vargas  Maldonado on May 1, soon after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Dominican Republic. He met with a group of U.S. representatives who attended the 10th round of dialogue between Chinese and US business leaders and former officials on May 15.