French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius will pay an official visit to China from July 9 to 11 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin made the announcement at a press briefing Friday.

During his visit, Fabius will meet with Chinese leaders including Premier Wen Jiabao, and hold talks with Yang.

The two sides will thoroughly exchange views on bilateral ties, Sino-EU relations and issues of common concerns, Liu said, expressing hope that the visit will reinforce Sino-French mutual political trust, practical cooperation and coordination in international issues.